tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58664968904458300132018-12-19T00:00:39.301-07:00Recipe for FitnessHi! I'm Chelle. Through Clean Eating and Exercise, I changed my life! I've lost 80+ lbs, and kept them off for 10 years. I'm a certified Fertility Counselor and coach, certified Nutritionist, and certified Personal Trainer. Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.comBlogger1110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-40133711523849413362018-06-13T17:04:00.002-07:002018-06-13T17:04:08.418-07:00De-Stress, not DistressTake a hop on over to our sister blog, FitToConceive.com to check out our latest post. <a href="https://fittoconceive.com/blog/f/de-stress-not-distress" target="_blank"><b>De-Stress, not Distress</b> </a>to get some simple tips to relieve the stress in your life.<br /><br />Happy Wednesday!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-27629060455526402982018-06-07T16:54:00.000-07:002018-06-07T16:54:08.515-07:00What's in your water bottle?You may have heard recently that the <a href="http://www.who.int/" target="_blank">WHO (World Health Organization)</a> has announced that it is launching a review of the potential risks of plastic particles in drinking water, after a study found tiny pieces of plastic in more than 90% of samples from the world's most popular bottled water brands.<br /><br />That analysis was conducted by the State University of New York in Fredonia as part of a project from the U.S.-based journalism organization Orb Media, and it involved 259 bottles of water from 11 brands across nine countries.<br /><br />Of all the bottles tested, only 17 were found to be free of plastic. On average, each liter sold contained 325 pieces of microplastic, including polypropylene, nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate. In one case, a bottle of Nestlé Pure Life contained more than 10,000 pieces of microplastic. High levels were also found in bottles of Bisleri (5,230), Gerolsteiner (5,160) and Aqua (4,713).<br /><br /><i>They </i>say there's no cause for alarm. <i>They </i>say that the particles pose no threat to human health. <i>They </i>also said the same things about pesticides. Remember <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/ddt-brief-history-and-status" target="_blank">DDT</a>?&nbsp;<br /><br />There is no better time than now to ditch the plastics. Between causing hormone disruption, and now particle pollution, plastics just don't make sense. Here are two simple steps you can take at home and on the go to kick the plastic habit and improve your health.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5SBjrtt7Yg/WxnCj9BtPqI/AAAAAAAAptE/L4woTbVzHPIh-9RhoEl1AVcs2dLhUmRQACLcBGAs/s1600/yeti%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="215" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5SBjrtt7Yg/WxnCj9BtPqI/AAAAAAAAptE/L4woTbVzHPIh-9RhoEl1AVcs2dLhUmRQACLcBGAs/s200/yeti%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="117" /></a></div><ul><li>Buy a stainless steel water bottle. Fill and refill it with <i>filtered </i>water, and maybe toss a slice of lemon or cucumber in there for a flavor boost. There are many stainless steel water bottles on the market, but the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0761Z8QCF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B0761Z8QCF&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=recip07-20&amp;linkId=c7b8ba794ec34baf23aa7cd30e7c26db" target="_blank">Yeti Rambler</a> is by far my favorite. If I fill it with ice-water today, tomorrow there will still be ice. It's awesome. It's a hot or cold, so you can use it for your coffee, too.&nbsp;<br /><br /></li><li>Filter your water. Brita just doesn't finish the job, so give your water a boost by using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0774FZZBM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B0774FZZBM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=recip07-20&amp;linkId=5a0dfc9799b8bbf70aa27ea0967cf728" target="_blank">activated charcoal sticks</a>. Sounds a little weird, right? But these funny looking sticks absorb impurities in water. If you're using a brita (or other filter device), just toss a stick in the bottom of the container to help purify. They have sticks to fit in your water bottles, too! They're re-usable, just boil them for 10 minutes and allow to dry - boom, reactivated! I have a large one for my 2 gallon glass water dispenser in the fridge, along with smaller ones that just hangs around in our Yeti's.&nbsp;</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPwulkfXuEw/WxnCqJymVdI/AAAAAAAAptI/H35i4EHBS80a9CFI_ZDrQB2uU91Xm4KCQCEwYBhgL/s1600/charcoal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="530" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPwulkfXuEw/WxnCqJymVdI/AAAAAAAAptI/H35i4EHBS80a9CFI_ZDrQB2uU91Xm4KCQCEwYBhgL/s320/charcoal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty simple, right? And for a modest investment (about $35 for the Yeti, and $13 for the charcoal), you can eliminate the polluted bottled water - and the waste from all the empties. Good deal all around.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-issqoZvjmko/WxnBPkLWf8I/AAAAAAAApss/jCS16AsA3Hw_DuSSKxExW-rY9rs86l_NACLcBGAs/s1600/20180315_Plastic_Water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="960" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-issqoZvjmko/WxnBPkLWf8I/AAAAAAAApss/jCS16AsA3Hw_DuSSKxExW-rY9rs86l_NACLcBGAs/s640/20180315_Plastic_Water.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn small fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-85725224621031209222018-04-26T11:43:00.000-07:002018-04-26T11:43:55.726-07:00News, Garden, and Jackson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWymHwdP0mQ/WuIWLopXrbI/AAAAAAAApm0/ZxsKiFGBOrwjjiCLG01w7Ve9DLesbMjNQCLcBGAs/s1600/FTC_Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="108" data-original-width="646" height="53" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWymHwdP0mQ/WuIWLopXrbI/AAAAAAAApm0/ZxsKiFGBOrwjjiCLG01w7Ve9DLesbMjNQCLcBGAs/s320/FTC_Banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>The new sister website is up... <a href="http://www.fittoconceive.com/">www.FitToConceive.com</a> and we'll begin the next Fertility Coaching session in June. If you, or anyone you know, is interested, please contact me and I'll get you more information.</i></b><br /><br />In other news... Joey and Amber are packing up and ready to hit the road. Bill and I leave for our 2-week camping (glamping) trip this saturday, and Joey and Amber leave a week later. They're well prepared and anxious to get going. Bill and I are wondering if we'll survive two weeks in a tiny RV. LOL.&nbsp; I'm going to write this on a post it, and Bill and I will just keep swapping it during the trip... "I'm sorry for the things I said when we were parking the trailer."&nbsp; LOL!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The first week, Joey and Amber will still be at home to watch the pups. The second week, Shi, Jared, and Jackson will be house-sitting. I wish we could take the pups with us, but poor Loki gets so violently carsick that the trip would just be tortuous for him. And Hunter... well, let's just say that the camper is too small for his big self. Haha.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgkXePXpkY8/WuIboHcTO2I/AAAAAAAApnk/XuFdtkFGouAbBYpEyhJxK9N41iHMlcyWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgkXePXpkY8/WuIboHcTO2I/AAAAAAAApnk/XuFdtkFGouAbBYpEyhJxK9N41iHMlcyWgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3587.jpg" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iEqDnSQApw/WuIbnzy881I/AAAAAAAApng/CKnFzI1vjlcL23vfjml0FzywEn3uciGfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iEqDnSQApw/WuIbnzy881I/AAAAAAAApng/CKnFzI1vjlcL23vfjml0FzywEn3uciGfwCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_3612.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />I've got the meals all planned out, along with the breakdown of when we need to restock and where. I've printed all the recipes, and have my list of kitchen necessities ready to pack up. All our food will be either made in the Instant Pot, or the electric skillet. We don't have an oven or stove in the RV, just a microwave/convection thing that I've never used. This is truly going to be an adventure for us... a fun adventure or a not-fun adventure... remains to be seen. :-)<br /><br />The weather is heating up here in AZ... we've been steadily hitting over 100 degrees. Ugh. I know some of you still have snow, and I'd gladly send you some of this sunshine if I could. It is, however, great for the garden! I'm absolutely loving how lush it is! The kale trees (yes, trees, lol) are in full bloom, my lavender and chives are blooming, tomatoes daily, and the snow peas... I've never had so many! Last night we had a huge bowl of steamed snow peas, and another of tomato &amp; basil salad - all fresh from the garden.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epBglpV-_QE/WuIbg_SDZkI/AAAAAAAApnY/glkAowebRjo7SiJnibCEogUN66Pkdh8twCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epBglpV-_QE/WuIbg_SDZkI/AAAAAAAApnY/glkAowebRjo7SiJnibCEogUN66Pkdh8twCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3639.jpg" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAFgmR_geIM/WuIbhITBlgI/AAAAAAAApnc/YNfKBgUHTmobW_iQ47UUdYMkIDN8kgUYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAFgmR_geIM/WuIbhITBlgI/AAAAAAAApnc/YNfKBgUHTmobW_iQ47UUdYMkIDN8kgUYwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3640.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykxQJhOoGv0/WuIbfvzl9dI/AAAAAAAApnE/XU1kXeHUcXohosDhd8GJDifNOtgHKqv9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3635%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykxQJhOoGv0/WuIbfvzl9dI/AAAAAAAApnE/XU1kXeHUcXohosDhd8GJDifNOtgHKqv9ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3635%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCJTFOd0axg/WuIbgawysnI/AAAAAAAApnQ/SaUR5YEu6dU2ou-04fco9HmSIn-L8RvxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCJTFOd0axg/WuIbgawysnI/AAAAAAAApnQ/SaUR5YEu6dU2ou-04fco9HmSIn-L8RvxgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wGf5MWSOLc/WuIbgrc1glI/AAAAAAAApnU/sDRAv8Rf34E5LETN8fJUuhdzxO-WbdT3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wGf5MWSOLc/WuIbgrc1glI/AAAAAAAApnU/sDRAv8Rf34E5LETN8fJUuhdzxO-WbdT3ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gn71v5sg07g/WuIbfpu6soI/AAAAAAAApnI/4wKhuNwEce0Y9PXw1N9FzJE6J7cqUeApgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gn71v5sg07g/WuIbfpu6soI/AAAAAAAApnI/4wKhuNwEce0Y9PXw1N9FzJE6J7cqUeApgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3634.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tesd9DN15o/WuIbfimbT4I/AAAAAAAApnA/14VUOtkCmfkQEfQxfmBp16ibwBCcZ0LlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tesd9DN15o/WuIbfimbT4I/AAAAAAAApnA/14VUOtkCmfkQEfQxfmBp16ibwBCcZ0LlQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The last few weeks have seen a couple milestones, too.... Jackson turned One! Can you believe it's been a year??? Wow!! He's such a dollbaby and one of the absolute lights of my life.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUWeAVgeybo/WuIb1HBghkI/AAAAAAAApnw/7cvk6PQvSrQxCPkXgLdxGzLObmq8U-cEQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUWeAVgeybo/WuIb1HBghkI/AAAAAAAApnw/7cvk6PQvSrQxCPkXgLdxGzLObmq8U-cEQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3523.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>Then, right after his party, was his first Easter! Shi is so creative with her photo-shoots with him, lol. And tell me that kid isn't hamming it up! LOL!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuxLrSYTFrA/WuIb2O1VqzI/AAAAAAAApn4/DlfImHk2u9UbvvoEyEw6Ef0xr-11FBHZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuxLrSYTFrA/WuIb2O1VqzI/AAAAAAAApn4/DlfImHk2u9UbvvoEyEw6Ef0xr-11FBHZwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3534.JPG" width="256" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytZemFp5nHM/WuIb1ETuQII/AAAAAAAApns/wXkLrFo3_aYYG_Um_0_8HC93X3Q4XOIrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytZemFp5nHM/WuIb1ETuQII/AAAAAAAApns/wXkLrFo3_aYYG_Um_0_8HC93X3Q4XOIrgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3527.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vX21Ta4VvZg/WuIb08CEyrI/AAAAAAAApno/yuiTiUKOURcGB2YpgZUgoUxjuuKAKlS3wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vX21Ta4VvZg/WuIb08CEyrI/AAAAAAAApno/yuiTiUKOURcGB2YpgZUgoUxjuuKAKlS3wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0zdVopXAL8/WuIb19Q5-CI/AAAAAAAApn0/ptEdOgyBcVIAsM4bXzfhIUwv-NCHKBNbwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0zdVopXAL8/WuIb19Q5-CI/AAAAAAAApn0/ptEdOgyBcVIAsM4bXzfhIUwv-NCHKBNbwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Awww!<br /><br />So... I will try to blog from the road, but I have no idea when or where we'll have internet service. I'm sure I'll be able to upload pics to facebook though... seems like you can always get enough service bars for facebook, right? Ha!<br /><br />Happy Thursday!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-89326481718880200252018-04-18T16:40:00.001-07:002018-04-18T16:40:17.817-07:00Is 1 in 3 Good Enough? IVF Awareness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHkRVmn68Q0/WtfHhV6YZDI/AAAAAAAApj0/wAG0qNdLfb8bGHgZHBDdO7xl2L9xcQkQgCLcBGAs/s1600/ivf-lab-fertilisation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="716" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHkRVmn68Q0/WtfHhV6YZDI/AAAAAAAApj0/wAG0qNdLfb8bGHgZHBDdO7xl2L9xcQkQgCLcBGAs/s200/ivf-lab-fertilisation.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The <b>Society for Reproductive Technology</b>&nbsp;released their 2016 report (<a href="https://www.sartcorsonline.com/rptCSR_PublicMultYear.aspx?reportingYear=2016" target="_blank">link</a>) today, and the numbers are both wonderful, and heartbreaking.<br /><br />In 2016, there were 71,296 babies born as a result of IVF. That's 71,296 miracles right there! 71K+ dreams realized! <i>Oh, and my grandson Jackson is one of those ;-)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</i><br /><br />Now, let's look closer at the numbers... this is where the heart twists.<br /><br />"In 2016, there were 71,296 babies born as a result of 242,618 IVF cycles."&nbsp; That's 1 baby born for every 3.4 cycles. This means that every successful cycle represents two <i><b>failed </b></i>cycles. When a cycle fails, you are impacted in several ways...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmF2bvGQa3k/WtfH1yDZ-0I/AAAAAAAApj4/fhWbbkhiZsorp2baGlL1OqNz_5n6HfR9QCLcBGAs/s1600/grief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="554" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmF2bvGQa3k/WtfH1yDZ-0I/AAAAAAAApj4/fhWbbkhiZsorp2baGlL1OqNz_5n6HfR9QCLcBGAs/s200/grief.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><b>Physically </b>- The drugs and procedures utilized during an IVF cycle are invasive and extremely damaging. Women gain weight, experience vast mood swings and depression. It's exhausting - from the emotional roller coaster, to the constant injections, oral medications, topical medications, office visits, and procedures (take hysterosonography for example), endless internal ultrasounds, egg retrieval, and implantation. Physically, it really takes a toll. Especially, if you have to do it all over again. <i>And again.</i><br /><br /><b>Emotionally </b>- An IVF cycle is demanding, with no room for mistakes. The protocol schedule is rigid and if not followed, the cycle is cancelled. Your whole world revolves around the drugs, appointments, and procedures. This complete absorption in the process can cause problems between you and your partner, between you and your family, your friends - whether they know what you're going through or not. The stress created can decrease chances of success by further impacting hormones. Additionally, as mentioned above, the drugs and resulting hormonal changes wreak havoc on your emotions, causing wild mood swings during a time that is already fraught with fear and uncertainty.<br /><br /><b>Financially </b>- An average IVF cycle in the U.S. costs $20,000.&nbsp; (And for too many, <b><i>insurance doesn't cover any of the costs</i></b> - that $20k is completely cash up front, out of pocket.)&nbsp; Many couples require multiple cycles to achieve their dream of a baby. The costs stack up as you add in PGS (pre-implantation genetic screening) testing, embryo / egg storage, and transfer costs. The price for making a baby can be crippling.<br /><br /><h2><span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>1 in 3...</i></span></h2>The success rate of IVF is roughly 35%, or 1 in 3. Most times, one cycle isn't enough. Sometimes, multiple cycles isn't enough. There are no guarantees, but there are factors that can increase - or subsequently decrease - that 35% chance. (By success rate, I'm referring to the successful fertilization of an egg, the implantation of the embryo, and the subsequent carrying and delivery of a baby).<br /><br /><h3>Many things impact that 35% chance of success...</h3><ul><li><b>Weight </b>- Being as little as 10 lbs overweight can reduce your fertility. Adipose tissue (body fat) produce hormones, including estrogen. The more estrogen, the less fertile you or&nbsp; your partner are (yes, this affects men, too, reducing their testosterone production). Being overweight also increases Insulin Resistance, which can inhibit fertility and even halt ovulation.</li><li><b>Age </b>- Women over 40 face decreasing odds, as egg quality and other factors apply.</li><li><b>Sex </b>- It's not just women who are affected by infertility. It's estimated that 1/3 of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Disease </b>- Diseases like Diabetes, PCOS, Endometriosis, and other genetic issues like the mutated MTHFR gene contribute to infertility and can prevent implantation, and increase the chances of miscarriage.</li><li><b>Stress </b>- High stress increases levels of Cortisol - the fight or flight hormone. When cortisol levels increase, production of fertility-friendly hormones decrease, reducing your chances of conceiving or having a successful IVF transfer.</li></ul><h3><i>Did you know that it's <b>in your power to change every one of those fertility-reducing factors</b>?&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></h3><h3><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">If you're facing IVF, are the chances of being 1 in 3 good enough?&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Would you like to better those odds?&nbsp;</span></i></div></h3><div><br />In the coming days, I'll be sharing more about my new work in Fit To Conceive by Recipe For Fitness, LLC, and begin taking applications for my Six-Week Fertility Remodel coaching. This six-week process will help you reclaim control, achieve an ideal fertility weight, and actively contribute to increasing your chances of conception / successful IVF cycle, naturally.<br /><br />Sign up below to join my mailing list, and be the first to know when Fit To Conceive launches.</div><div><br /></div><script src="https://assets.convertkit.com/assets/CKJS4.js?v=21"></script> <br /><div class="ck_form_container ck_inline" data-ck-version="7"><div class="ck_form ck_minimal"><div class="ck_form_fields"><h3 class="ck_form_title">Join the newsletter</h3><div class="ck_description">Subscribe to get our latest content by email. </div><div id="ck_success_msg" style="display: none;">Success! 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You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-69674336464172108132018-04-10T17:37:00.000-07:002018-04-10T17:37:02.979-07:00Taking a New DirectionAs many of you know, I began <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Recipe For Fitness</span></b></a> in an effort to fill a gap. At a time when reputable resources simply weren't available to help people lose weight and retake control over their lives, I sought to be the source I had looked for in my own journey. I am honored by those who trusted me to walk beside them in their own journey and grateful for the successes they've achieved in reaching their goals and transforming their lives.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXuHMXXvL1s/Ws0Ybp4l7sI/AAAAAAAAphA/lfwfvZBBCmASMlFNhiVZbImGhf_5zKSZgCLcBGAs/s1600/jackson_feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="960" height="273" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXuHMXXvL1s/Ws0Ybp4l7sI/AAAAAAAAphA/lfwfvZBBCmASMlFNhiVZbImGhf_5zKSZgCLcBGAs/s320/jackson_feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today, I address a whole new journey. Infertility.&nbsp; My family has been affected deeply by infertility. In my own case, I suffered 6 miscarriages, had 3 beautiful rainbow babies, before requiring a hysterectomy at the age of 26.&nbsp; No explanations were available. "It happens", is what I was told.&nbsp; Decades later, my own daughter found herself facing unexplained infertility, and in October of 2016, she went public with her story (<a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2016/10/stepping-into-light.html"><b>read here</b></a>).<br /><br />As her journey continued, I began one of my own... Education.&nbsp; What I found was, like my weight loss journey, solid information and good resources were few and far between. This left expensive testing, more expensive procedures, and <b>really </b>expensive drugs that wrought havoc on the body. I knew there had to be a better way, I just didn't know how to find it.<br /><br />The last four years have been a quest for me. A quest to become educated and empowered, and to in turn, pass that on to women and men struggling with Infertility. My quest will never end, as new information, studies, and procedures are becoming available; but I have reached the mile-markers I was working towards.&nbsp; Today, I am a fully certified Integrative Fertility Coach, certified Fertility Counselor, member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and member of the Association of Fertility Awareness Professionals.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nlIJPliwt84/Ws0gp2rRFAI/AAAAAAAAphc/GvETasezfEswq2xQujUZgWdX0Bymd9YkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/FitToConceive2_DD64a1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="784" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nlIJPliwt84/Ws0gp2rRFAI/AAAAAAAAphc/GvETasezfEswq2xQujUZgWdX0Bymd9YkwCEwYBhgL/s200/FitToConceive2_DD64a1b.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>With these new qualifications and tools, <b>Recipe For Fitness</b> is about to open a new branch... <i><b>Fit To Conceive</b></i>. Under this new umbrella, I will offer programs designed to boost fertility naturally, to help achieve optimum fertility weight, and to walk beside women and couples through a 90 day pre-conception system that will transform lives, and increase chances of natural conception, as well as increase success rates for IVF and IUI.<br /><br />I am incredibly excited to begin this new direction, and look forward to offering new hope to the many who are walking a path they never imagined, and help them build one of the most beautiful things in our world... family.<br /><br />Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing more about Fit To Conceive and begin taking applications for my beta-test 6-week Fertility Weight Loss program. If you, or someone you know, has been affected by Infertility, I hope you'll share me with them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKpIBxiUrUA/Ws0htJwfRxI/AAAAAAAAphs/j_w-sQrDXLAqVJcx2EIPh1uCEN6re1lOQCLcBGAs/s1600/FertilityAwareness3-3840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKpIBxiUrUA/Ws0htJwfRxI/AAAAAAAAphs/j_w-sQrDXLAqVJcx2EIPh1uCEN6re1lOQCLcBGAs/s640/FertilityAwareness3-3840.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-31125040866559554672018-03-28T13:41:00.000-07:002018-03-28T13:41:49.519-07:00Bringing it up to date...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uNmS66kz7k/WrvvLTWNkfI/AAAAAAAApe0/3jO0Ex1iYwAkyDmSW1xPEAFDuxxUyx9EQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_3482.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uNmS66kz7k/WrvvLTWNkfI/AAAAAAAApe0/3jO0Ex1iYwAkyDmSW1xPEAFDuxxUyx9EQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_3482.PNG" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Happy Spring! I know some of you are not enjoying traditional spring weather, but here in AZ we've had it since January. Lol. Sorry, not sorry. ;-)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cannot believe how quickly the last year went. Last year at this time, we were worrying that our son-in-law wouldn't make it home from deployment in time for miracle-baby's birth. He did (by the skin of his teeth!), and <a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2017/08/its-been-awhile-introducing-jackson.html"><b>Jackson William</b></a> was welcomed into the world with an abundance of love and joy.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Watching him grow is so wonderful! He's full of light and giggles, precious smiles and warm hugs. He's about to turn 1, and his Mommy has gone all out for his party. I'll share photos next week. So fun!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://recipeforfitness.com/"><b>Recipe For Fitness</b></a> garden is flourishing, and my Basil plants are now 3 years old. Crazy! I had no idea I could keep plants alive for that long, lol.&nbsp; The herbs are bountiful, and so is the kale. Seriously, it's a lot of kale. I mean a lot.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrs1h_9o8xs/Wrvxd1IpUVI/AAAAAAAApfA/0B4v2KhLgZo4dss03UHjnkmbfCCwHCvTACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/014a9014e7631062ae1544360978f147ed63becc74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrs1h_9o8xs/Wrvxd1IpUVI/AAAAAAAApfA/0B4v2KhLgZo4dss03UHjnkmbfCCwHCvTACK4BGAYYCw/s200/014a9014e7631062ae1544360978f147ed63becc74.jpg" width="200" />&nbsp;</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt_avoZM-Wk/WrvxyZQGF6I/AAAAAAAApfI/6ZrSC2njxOEsiXDwJiIiuxVP0a-SIVMsACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01440e904402bf12cf3763eb8d7f5e26fb31d20237.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt_avoZM-Wk/WrvxyZQGF6I/AAAAAAAApfI/6ZrSC2njxOEsiXDwJiIiuxVP0a-SIVMsACK4BGAYYCw/s200/01440e904402bf12cf3763eb8d7f5e26fb31d20237.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOg1E7z15wI/Wrvy8IuEovI/AAAAAAAApfU/5XpEH6mNgSwuGx4rhdcVdMkx-k1Qg2nXQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/01a7eb7bc5335b3b9151b34f0e7246b06964dfdb47.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOg1E7z15wI/Wrvy8IuEovI/AAAAAAAApfU/5XpEH6mNgSwuGx4rhdcVdMkx-k1Qg2nXQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/01a7eb7bc5335b3b9151b34f0e7246b06964dfdb47.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our oldest, Joey, and his girlfriend Amber are prepping to return to Alaska. They'll be hitting the road in May and taking their time to enjoy the trip. I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous of their adventures at their age, lol.&nbsp; They'll work up there through the summer, and head back home in the fall. How fun is that?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bill and I are still on our 50 by 50 journey... we're attempting to visit all 50 states before we turn 50 years old. We crossed off Texas last week, with a visit to Austin. Wow, what an amazing city! We had a great time and really enjoyed exploring. If you didn't know, the city motto is "Keep Austin Weird"... and they do. Lol.&nbsp; We even drove out to Dripping Springs to visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FamilyBusinessBeerCo/"><b>Family Business Beer Company</b></a>, and that was a true highlight of our trip.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of you might know that I'm a bit of a Supernatural fan (ahem, a bit).&nbsp; Ok, fine. I'm a HUGE fan. Well, the actor who plays Dean Winchester is Jensen Ackles, and he and his wife (Danneel - One Tree Hill, plus a whole lot of other roles), went into the brewery business, and it's a hit! The property is beautiful, the beer ice cold and tasty, and the food was terrific! The food, by the way, is from a converted AirStream and provided by Jep &amp; Jessica Robertson (Duck Dynasty). Seriously - that crawfish etouffee. Mmmmm.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The brewery just opened in January, but you'd think they'd been there for years. It felt so warm and welcoming, really, like family.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We're also planning a fun trip for May... we'll be taking the camper and making our way up the California coastline. It'll take us two weeks - and that's the longest vacation either of us has ever had (I'm guessing Bill will be on the phone a lot, lol). We're looking forward to it, and I'll finally get the chance to see the property and cabin where Bill grew up. :-)&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Later in the year, we'll be crossing off a few more states as I fly out to join Bill for a weekend following his trade shows in Philadelphia and Indianapolis. Fun!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In other news, ya'll know that I've been seeing a (wonderful!) naturopathic doctor to straighten out my hormones. Seriously, round 2 of menopause?? It's just cruel. But, I'm thrilled to say that Dr. McCarthy has righted my wagon, lol.&nbsp; Hormones in balance, and sanity restored. A funny side effect is my hair. All my life, I've had straight hair. As a teenager, I'd get perms trying to achieve curls, but there were always a couple sections of hair that just wouldn't take and stayed straight. I finally gave up. But look what I have now...</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bAew3KAIPY/Wrv7Yo06IhI/AAAAAAAApfg/j6Ue5qhJMTgoWWkl5qMhrcEYZxaup6BHwCLcBGAs/s1600/curls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7bAew3KAIPY/Wrv7Yo06IhI/AAAAAAAApfg/j6Ue5qhJMTgoWWkl5qMhrcEYZxaup6BHwCLcBGAs/s320/curls.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's all natural! No products (just hairspray) or perms. Lol. Hormones - go figure.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, that's my bringing it up to date... I've got some new things coming, including <b><i>a new branch of Recipe For Fitness</i></b>.&nbsp; I'll be sharing next week some specifics on that, as I countdown to the launch. I'm really excited about it, and can't wait!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Easter!! Oh, and April Fool's Day. Lol. (who thought that was a good idea?)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-69862129494213267952018-03-16T11:37:00.003-07:002018-03-16T11:37:55.795-07:00Survey + FREE GIFT!!!!!<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Greetings from sunny Arizona! (Seriously, our winter lasted about 7 days, lol)</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm putting the finishing touches on my upcoming Infertility program, and would love to hear from those of you who have been touched by an infertility journey (yourself, a family member, a friend). </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What have been your greatest struggles? Is it lack of support? Not knowing how to talk about it? Or...? </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a thank you for your response, I'll enter you into my drawing to win a $25 Visa Gift Card! </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please direct email me with your responses. Chelle@RecipeForFitness.com </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-19524472477722347922017-12-01T11:48:00.001-07:002017-12-01T11:48:57.052-07:00Beast Mode ON!!<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bdM7ndiks0/WiGey_MFlhI/AAAAAAAApQg/Vo_Rz7PavZgH2Dn4M8mcLYgvxi3DczzbQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1045" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bdM7ndiks0/WiGey_MFlhI/AAAAAAAApQg/Vo_Rz7PavZgH2Dn4M8mcLYgvxi3DczzbQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2444.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> am so excited to introduce you today to a phenomenal young athlete, Carter. I've been watching, and cheering on, Carter for the last few years as he competes, and I'm telling you... this kid is a BEAST!! His dedication, drive, and work ethic are astounding, and particularly impressive in someone his age (kuddos to his parents!!).<br /><br />In Wrestling season, 9 year old Carter has youth wrestling practices 5 days a week, plus speed &amp; agility training at a local Oklahoma boxing gym twice a week. He is unflagging. And when he competes, he is unrelenting.<br /><br />The hard work Carter has put in earned him an invitation to compete at the 2017 Nationals. In just 7 days, Carter will be weighing in. Following that are ten matches in three days. Whoa!!!! How's that for Beast Mode??<br /><br />Recipe For Fitness is proud to support Carter in his endeavors, and very much look forward to what he'll accomplish in the future.<br /><br />Go get 'em, Carter!!<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>My name is Carter and I am 9 years old. I do wrestling, football, and soccer. In wrestling I’ve won state and regionals. My favorite foods are rotisserie chicken, seafood, pizza, spaghetti, and macaroni and cheese.</i></blockquote><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0m7QLvL5yms/WiGfoOaLu3I/AAAAAAAApQo/teqcfOBNmhMUMp-WyIF2ms7drd7TNR5aQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0m7QLvL5yms/WiGfoOaLu3I/AAAAAAAApQo/teqcfOBNmhMUMp-WyIF2ms7drd7TNR5aQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2443.JPG" width="239" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--b8uv88SIgk/WiGfoOgET8I/AAAAAAAApQw/5CZk1xod4q8lrWIMT7f8SDpE9tRuAZpTwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1568" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--b8uv88SIgk/WiGfoOgET8I/AAAAAAAApQw/5CZk1xod4q8lrWIMT7f8SDpE9tRuAZpTwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVpWl44P7So/WiGfoBlkv4I/AAAAAAAApQs/FDXnRDNUnuIdsx9lt03enuHoAI5v0e8wgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2447.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVpWl44P7So/WiGfoBlkv4I/AAAAAAAApQs/FDXnRDNUnuIdsx9lt03enuHoAI5v0e8wgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2447.PNG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34lK0-RuIws/WiGfo84YuaI/AAAAAAAApQ0/7zRA66fFWu8RpUticu4pnmV0_0StBgG-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2448.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="218" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34lK0-RuIws/WiGfo84YuaI/AAAAAAAApQ0/7zRA66fFWu8RpUticu4pnmV0_0StBgG-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2448.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIGOJewdf00/WiGfoxtQuvI/AAAAAAAApQ4/RufFioBql1g0Cq2VEPTLVPCNzn1UYBTtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIGOJewdf00/WiGfoxtQuvI/AAAAAAAApQ4/RufFioBql1g0Cq2VEPTLVPCNzn1UYBTtwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2449.JPG" width="239" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-faKQQZVFsEc/WiGfpDfcObI/AAAAAAAApQ8/ouRzr-fiQ5A-0fcaig6QK51Osaa-RnCWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-faKQQZVFsEc/WiGfpDfcObI/AAAAAAAApQ8/ouRzr-fiQ5A-0fcaig6QK51Osaa-RnCWACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2589.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOrUXTxPf1Q/WiGfp54edFI/AAAAAAAApRA/E3K-lHMUxBw25OUsvUAdJLza-WxvpAdJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOrUXTxPf1Q/WiGfp54edFI/AAAAAAAApRA/E3K-lHMUxBw25OUsvUAdJLza-WxvpAdJgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2699.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-47558958234373055582017-08-04T13:57:00.002-07:002017-08-04T13:57:42.755-07:00It's Been Awhile... Part 2Now that I've caught you up on Jackson's arrival ;-) here's a glimpse at what else has been happening.<br /><br />The Hubby and I planned a trip to Kauai for our 11th anniversary, and between air miles and points we were able to book our vacation for May. However. Ya'll know me. I'm a klutz.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0J_gEQap6q8/WYTMBBlbUFI/AAAAAAAAlIk/64zqY9DlkY8MXJSBZL6wVRxccWaKKlRPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0J_gEQap6q8/WYTMBBlbUFI/AAAAAAAAlIk/64zqY9DlkY8MXJSBZL6wVRxccWaKKlRPACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0316.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>What is that, you ask? That is my undoing. Five days before our departure to Hawaii, I stepped out of the hot tub onto those steps. They were wet. My foot slipped out, and I rode those steps on my back like it was my job. Bam, Bam, Boom. And I broke a rib. My L-10 to be specific. Drat!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufCmSM5ow14/WYTNZV1ar4I/AAAAAAAAlIs/bmAVjq853gYevoPcOuhDA_3NLbVsPZ_3ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufCmSM5ow14/WYTNZV1ar4I/AAAAAAAAlIs/bmAVjq853gYevoPcOuhDA_3NLbVsPZ_3ACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0315.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />Fortunately, I was cleared to fly, so armed with a lovely breathing thingy, and some even lovelier drugs, we packed up and flew away.<br /><br />Unfortunately, a few of the activities we'd planned were now out for me, boooo! No snorkeling (or swimming), horseback riding or zip line (thank God!), but Bill did manage to get me to do the one thing I swore I would never, ever do.<br /><br />Ever.<br /><br />In a million years. Never. Ever.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmPBXA_K_kI/WYTOS1L1MMI/AAAAAAAAlIw/6SKmH2R4OOEd7m1OJ3qfFZ_u25li5Ro9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmPBXA_K_kI/WYTOS1L1MMI/AAAAAAAAlIw/6SKmH2R4OOEd7m1OJ3qfFZ_u25li5Ro9ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6e86lvONbc/WYTOS5hluFI/AAAAAAAAlI0/RgXpJssEgrIN4HFytRGTLwmIX8kLnJM6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6e86lvONbc/WYTOS5hluFI/AAAAAAAAlI0/RgXpJssEgrIN4HFytRGTLwmIX8kLnJM6QCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0495.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />He got me in a helicopter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vl7N6BGPWh8/WYTRzY6lExI/AAAAAAAAlI8/Wvmo0Oq6iUchO1EPbZ-yZPdH0-uY_Fm4gCLcBGAs/s1600/gmo-chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="900" height="173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vl7N6BGPWh8/WYTRzY6lExI/AAAAAAAAlI8/Wvmo0Oq6iUchO1EPbZ-yZPdH0-uY_Fm4gCLcBGAs/s200/gmo-chicken.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I was petrified. Thankfully, we had a wonderful pilot with a smooth, calm manner who really made an effort to put me at ease. I was seated beside him, with Bill on my other side, and views top to bottom, side to side. Did I mention I was petrified? Lol. Let me just say, the flight was amazing, the scenery incredible, and I'm glad I did it. But I will never, ever, EVER do it again. Haha. Usually, I'm the one taking all the photos when Bill and I go somewhere. This time, when we compared, Bill had 107 photos of the flight. I had 7. I was so scared that my hands were frozen stiff holding onto my phone (I had nothing else to hang on to!), and evidently I was only able to relax enough to take a photo 7 times.<br /><br />Yes, I am a big chicken. Lol. I'm ok with that. We spent &nbsp;the rest of our time roaming the island and enjoying the food. It was truly fabulous, and we highly recommend the island to anyone looking for beauty and tranquility. It was a very quiet island and perfect for relaxing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMhwI0I6vN8/WYTStLOuLMI/AAAAAAAAlJA/2HpUq4VoRT0fpMBlZEbCTtBcjkA0uFd5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMhwI0I6vN8/WYTStLOuLMI/AAAAAAAAlJA/2HpUq4VoRT0fpMBlZEbCTtBcjkA0uFd5ACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0364.JPG" width="150" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZtXMs4tP1o/WYTStHakcyI/AAAAAAAAlJI/FBJGaGsQrzM43JTJp74iDpMkGiaAfwGQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZtXMs4tP1o/WYTStHakcyI/AAAAAAAAlJI/FBJGaGsQrzM43JTJp74iDpMkGiaAfwGQgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0369.JPG" width="150" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kiVfv3BvYk/WYTStH4FF1I/AAAAAAAAlJE/4awpN4HVe4IE6dSiSLP6QhDKvsI-UxkEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kiVfv3BvYk/WYTStH4FF1I/AAAAAAAAlJE/4awpN4HVe4IE6dSiSLP6QhDKvsI-UxkEACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0631.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />Back home, we helped our son prepare for a big change. He and his girlfriend, Amber (sweetheart) are spending the summer in Alaska! June to October, they're working and exploring with an eye to moving permanently. Wow! Talk about an adventure!!!! After a ton of research, and a ton of shopping (lol), Joey and Amber made their purchase...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RsLf7xWKKnU/WYTV0-zYiPI/AAAAAAAAlJc/RiJ1HumeN6QTqTLn3q2msW8mPJHTip3pQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RsLf7xWKKnU/WYTV0-zYiPI/AAAAAAAAlJc/RiJ1HumeN6QTqTLn3q2msW8mPJHTip3pQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0309.JPG" width="150" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKJUmoYz3OQ/WYTWnbmOVhI/AAAAAAAAlJg/9SUiNdu0DykZLaZ6NbdcRzrcLFySmzfrgCLcBGAs/s1600/18222413_10210392874956587_8060224848961131979_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKJUmoYz3OQ/WYTWnbmOVhI/AAAAAAAAlJg/9SUiNdu0DykZLaZ6NbdcRzrcLFySmzfrgCLcBGAs/s320/18222413_10210392874956587_8060224848961131979_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />They worked crazy hard to prepare for the journey, and have loved every moment! They're all settled in now, near Anchorage, and just check out this set up! Lol! Living the Dream!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0aFR5ooAkY/WYTcUicQlHI/AAAAAAAAlKY/6A7y4aQad7gTRR8wvptCx1V6kciMfaqAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0aFR5ooAkY/WYTcUicQlHI/AAAAAAAAlKY/6A7y4aQad7gTRR8wvptCx1V6kciMfaqAACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0885.JPG" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnMlEckHDdE/WYTXG1lpArI/AAAAAAAAlJs/j8uWrKp3l6sb4l_dKCkwNSwXKL_D-iVBACLcBGAs/s1600/19149469_10210789024700083_4988304645562558788_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnMlEckHDdE/WYTXG1lpArI/AAAAAAAAlJs/j8uWrKp3l6sb4l_dKCkwNSwXKL_D-iVBACLcBGAs/s200/19149469_10210789024700083_4988304645562558788_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFMCdcOXS3U/WYTXG6KiVWI/AAAAAAAAlJo/nq3KKihp8rU34kPL1wwqFP3or5IK475uQCLcBGAs/s1600/19260672_10210868357643357_2268222030314342567_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFMCdcOXS3U/WYTXG6KiVWI/AAAAAAAAlJo/nq3KKihp8rU34kPL1wwqFP3or5IK475uQCLcBGAs/s200/19260672_10210868357643357_2268222030314342567_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVjysoWdvKw/WYTXGxCYWgI/AAAAAAAAlJk/371qd5TXQM054fOwn1GEeir48Cval1McwCLcBGAs/s1600/19399786_10210832998959412_6946072228297668441_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVjysoWdvKw/WYTXGxCYWgI/AAAAAAAAlJk/371qd5TXQM054fOwn1GEeir48Cval1McwCLcBGAs/s200/19399786_10210832998959412_6946072228297668441_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOvXO37VuAc/WYTXHQ4oOLI/AAAAAAAAlJw/tLsXPuHiNnwUrN24WO8QufoLNN9GG5NWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOvXO37VuAc/WYTXHQ4oOLI/AAAAAAAAlJw/tLsXPuHiNnwUrN24WO8QufoLNN9GG5NWgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0944.JPG" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ElxzdD7FLE/WYTXHqdnQcI/AAAAAAAAlJ0/fcsv0iIC4soWBWhfoVZbm0G2ZEekzbJZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1026.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="360" height="198" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ElxzdD7FLE/WYTXHqdnQcI/AAAAAAAAlJ0/fcsv0iIC4soWBWhfoVZbm0G2ZEekzbJZwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_1026.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>Yes - that is a hot tub! Have tub will travel! Lol! They see wildlife daily (often really, really close to the trailer, lol), and are having a ball exploring and kayaking, and hiking, and boating.... what an amazing experience for them!<br /><br />Speaking of trailers... Bill and I have managed to take ours out a few times. It's been fun getting to know our equipment and enjoy time away. After a harrowing 20 minutes, we now also know exactly where the propane alarm is located, how to shut it off, and how to utilize the elevation setting on the generator. Ha! We've even managed to get the can-am completely broken in! Without breaking it! Woot!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VAjO6YfuOU/WYTYNujdoHI/AAAAAAAAlJ8/qx0eNlTGkWgqjTV1X55CeAScHCCJnyS_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VAjO6YfuOU/WYTYNujdoHI/AAAAAAAAlJ8/qx0eNlTGkWgqjTV1X55CeAScHCCJnyS_QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1155.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8lRbWf5WO0/WYTYNubkIaI/AAAAAAAAlKA/Lg6epz20NSMPYqhvolDQIjGCzwu7EWPtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8lRbWf5WO0/WYTYNubkIaI/AAAAAAAAlKA/Lg6epz20NSMPYqhvolDQIjGCzwu7EWPtQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsp390DAtR0/WYTYNqQSDLI/AAAAAAAAlJ4/TOn9N0f5LQ4_0eNWbpgq6QP2_CRV9BHqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsp390DAtR0/WYTYNqQSDLI/AAAAAAAAlJ4/TOn9N0f5LQ4_0eNWbpgq6QP2_CRV9BHqwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1228.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31czIzZdC4c/WYTYOLemyqI/AAAAAAAAlKE/1dXwXWnD7Kw9CL7UKDd6_epfILqgDfYqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31czIzZdC4c/WYTYOLemyqI/AAAAAAAAlKE/1dXwXWnD7Kw9CL7UKDd6_epfILqgDfYqQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1252.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;We did learn quickly that when we ride with friends (as opposed to tooling around with the dogs) we get very, very dusty. Hahaha! But it was so fun, and we're looking forward to many more trips this year.<br /><br />Additionally, Bill finally gave in and said that since I've kept the garden alive this long, I deserve a real fence...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eat2blwyGHU/WYTY6VhH_nI/AAAAAAAAlKM/Rbn4Y8zVzX8Qq1THY-jS88g4h6MTsFrjwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eat2blwyGHU/WYTY6VhH_nI/AAAAAAAAlKM/Rbn4Y8zVzX8Qq1THY-jS88g4h6MTsFrjwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Isn't it awesome???<br />I think he agreed to the fence at least partially to avoid hearing me bitch and moan anymore about this...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mofo1sr0VGc/WYTdTOYWBHI/AAAAAAAAlK8/xJ1tKGbE2PQiMR-wOlP45gANyFCuWSalACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mofo1sr0VGc/WYTdTOYWBHI/AAAAAAAAlK8/xJ1tKGbE2PQiMR-wOlP45gANyFCuWSalACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0831.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5pnlkxBMdM/WYTdS8QfFuI/AAAAAAAAlK0/IA0xK8LK6H8qumTk2_VltqsXRBGj-N5TwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5pnlkxBMdM/WYTdS8QfFuI/AAAAAAAAlK0/IA0xK8LK6H8qumTk2_VltqsXRBGj-N5TwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0839.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJAlSwddUTw/WYTdS-5nBNI/AAAAAAAAlK4/-2LbMRDWOAwgY3rSkTn2JNMio_O2ko8ngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJAlSwddUTw/WYTdS-5nBNI/AAAAAAAAlK4/-2LbMRDWOAwgY3rSkTn2JNMio_O2ko8ngCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0868.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CviJjT6nNDc/WYTdTbo-KRI/AAAAAAAAlLA/CjAhhOdsjh80ruL8FkPhTZ0u1jF5QVv4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CviJjT6nNDc/WYTdTbo-KRI/AAAAAAAAlLA/CjAhhOdsjh80ruL8FkPhTZ0u1jF5QVv4ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0873.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />That first pic of my fence was mid-June... now look how much the garden has grown since then! Holy cow!!! I've got watermelon and cantaloupe growing like crazy... and the basil and sweet potatoes... oh my!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbjLnOHszTw/WYTcnCaTqtI/AAAAAAAAlKc/QFvHrlknNM0pyyr4_aDktyP46_id8U-MgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbjLnOHszTw/WYTcnCaTqtI/AAAAAAAAlKc/QFvHrlknNM0pyyr4_aDktyP46_id8U-MgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1349.JPG" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17uc1TgPKC8/WYTcxOVvgZI/AAAAAAAAlKg/s23KEmKJ0XAHYUdirUDGA_4q0EJzx0IowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17uc1TgPKC8/WYTcxOVvgZI/AAAAAAAAlKg/s23KEmKJ0XAHYUdirUDGA_4q0EJzx0IowCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1350.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i19ma1CjZ4I/WYTcxL9hCNI/AAAAAAAAlKo/AMRgaTzJiCkS63uXo3t3p3MEMKgNnoSyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i19ma1CjZ4I/WYTcxL9hCNI/AAAAAAAAlKo/AMRgaTzJiCkS63uXo3t3p3MEMKgNnoSyACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1351.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opJRrQaYIYI/WYTcxFnorOI/AAAAAAAAlKk/xpx35n_uX6AdDZby7YVU2RBR4zKPK34oACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opJRrQaYIYI/WYTcxFnorOI/AAAAAAAAlKk/xpx35n_uX6AdDZby7YVU2RBR4zKPK34oACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1352.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfvHqYBjsqA/WYTcxlz5bSI/AAAAAAAAlKs/zKbr0-YKK-INMHcSqW_RF-LKwZK5mOTXgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfvHqYBjsqA/WYTcxlz5bSI/AAAAAAAAlKs/zKbr0-YKK-INMHcSqW_RF-LKwZK5mOTXgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1353.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fp58d6O_nSA/WYTcx9p085I/AAAAAAAAlKw/Jlod9zhltA8nY4E915IyHjYoPWk9kwV_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fp58d6O_nSA/WYTcx9p085I/AAAAAAAAlKw/Jlod9zhltA8nY4E915IyHjYoPWk9kwV_gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />So, that's all the family and personal stuff we've been up to. In my next post, I'll talk about my new favorite kitchen toy. :-) I'm having so much fun trying different recipes, methods, and just plain tinkering around with it!! Hehehe!!!<br /><br />For now, I'll leave you with a few of the dishes I've made with my new toy...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vw6M0NdA60o/WYTdt0AYlUI/AAAAAAAAlLI/CG3Q9KVicjkdWMR0bjJlKwRaoIsDwTuTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vw6M0NdA60o/WYTdt0AYlUI/AAAAAAAAlLI/CG3Q9KVicjkdWMR0bjJlKwRaoIsDwTuTgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0917.JPG" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ogq5MZr_XA/WYTdvOPGicI/AAAAAAAAlLU/3xx584t2NaoI7MJkOU8O0euUHpoWFEmXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ogq5MZr_XA/WYTdvOPGicI/AAAAAAAAlLU/3xx584t2NaoI7MJkOU8O0euUHpoWFEmXACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1189.JPG" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwUpJvbKxN0/WYTdvaHTRrI/AAAAAAAAlLc/U1XOQxuGnjUIQZTe08iG6g7_BSmxzh4EwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwUpJvbKxN0/WYTdvaHTRrI/AAAAAAAAlLc/U1XOQxuGnjUIQZTe08iG6g7_BSmxzh4EwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AxW91Ocd5k/WYTdvh_X3PI/AAAAAAAAlLg/j_dSfvtw0Mg5S1cVzggagoDoLcI3koGcgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AxW91Ocd5k/WYTdvh_X3PI/AAAAAAAAlLg/j_dSfvtw0Mg5S1cVzggagoDoLcI3koGcgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JsuYCroDszM/WYTdvgR1nsI/AAAAAAAAlLk/ykQ-QgQp2LENAcVVtPTwseVBGgKY_FrKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JsuYCroDszM/WYTdvgR1nsI/AAAAAAAAlLk/ykQ-QgQp2LENAcVVtPTwseVBGgKY_FrKACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1300.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsNix7qS_zo/WYTdv3YcpjI/AAAAAAAAlLo/6yXcDzIMeYAC0wHymWT1JkydSWH8NzXFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsNix7qS_zo/WYTdv3YcpjI/AAAAAAAAlLo/6yXcDzIMeYAC0wHymWT1JkydSWH8NzXFACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1325.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jt0N5wRgOQ/WYTdwOGpoMI/AAAAAAAAlLs/ri85-q11SBISOFE8ib6US5aKNnEmcI5nACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jt0N5wRgOQ/WYTdwOGpoMI/AAAAAAAAlLs/ri85-q11SBISOFE8ib6US5aKNnEmcI5nACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1326.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQht6JyTHO0/WYTdwJZ1dSI/AAAAAAAAlLw/NZxLjGYiVRMjYzCC94WJxiRi8XTRs-gXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQht6JyTHO0/WYTdwJZ1dSI/AAAAAAAAlLw/NZxLjGYiVRMjYzCC94WJxiRi8XTRs-gXACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Serious Yummage Ahead!!! Stay tuned!!<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-40157408483009311002017-08-04T12:29:00.001-07:002017-08-04T12:29:46.151-07:00It's Been Awhile... Introducing Jackson!Wow! It's been MONTHS!! Yikes! So very much has happened since my last post. If you're friends with me over on Facebook, you've kept up with what's been going on. If not, well here's the scoop! ;-)<br /><br />February was fabulous, full of baby prep and fun. We transitioned to March with a few hiccups. My daughter's husband was due back from deployment, we were making plans to drive out to San Diego to pick him up for a highly anticipated 2 week visit, but the arrival day kept changing. And kept changing. Once we were assured it was "final", Shi and I booked a hotel and hit the road. During the 5.5 hour drive from AZ to Miramar, Jared's return day/time was changed an additional 7 times. I kid you not. We had to hit the mall during that trip because we had both packed exactly what we needed for an overnight trip. Lol. Wearing the same jeans was fine, underwear - not so much. ;-)<br /><br />Finally, the big moment arrived! Yay!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oH_rgNi-u0/WYSxXhMrbwI/AAAAAAAAlF0/Bl2OQV9Gep4Oliz5DZ8FedvMlCu4u9AYgCLcBGAs/s1600/64281F02-9DFC-4F8A-BE22-5E1716A257BD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oH_rgNi-u0/WYSxXhMrbwI/AAAAAAAAlF0/Bl2OQV9Gep4Oliz5DZ8FedvMlCu4u9AYgCLcBGAs/s320/64281F02-9DFC-4F8A-BE22-5E1716A257BD.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>So... after the happy reunion, we drove home to AZ. Shi was battling swollen ankles - this was a new experience for her (I, on the other hand, had swollen ankles basically from conception to birth when I carried, lol). Back home, we all enjoyed some fun time together before Jared had to head back for duty.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lu0S72iR0BE/WYS8vIdtBYI/AAAAAAAAlGU/akIgjC1DT7cfAuIiS7BUrnL_90hbtWRtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0031.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="360" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lu0S72iR0BE/WYS8vIdtBYI/AAAAAAAAlGU/akIgjC1DT7cfAuIiS7BUrnL_90hbtWRtwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0031.PNG" width="199" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjytxfqG54g/WYS8vC3LgxI/AAAAAAAAlGY/TxNgal1NTrgc1M7DWbYhNuBE442ujGPqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0032.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="360" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjytxfqG54g/WYS8vC3LgxI/AAAAAAAAlGY/TxNgal1NTrgc1M7DWbYhNuBE442ujGPqgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0032.PNG" width="199" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Shi's swelling increased, rapidly. A few other symptoms made themselves known, and after a quick checkup at the doc, she was sent for further testing. Diagnosis: preeclampsia.<br /><br />Several hours of waiting later, Shi was admitted to the hospital for induction. Several more hours of waiting later, baby was facing the wrong way, and the preeclampsia was continuing to get worse. The medical team made the decision to perform a c-section. Now let me tell you, after two years of watching my daughter <a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2016/10/stepping-into-light.html"><b>experience miscarriages, tests, infertility treatments</b></a>, and now high risk pregnancy followed by preeclampsia - Mama was <b>NOT </b>happy to see her baby girl wheeled away to the Operating Room. I knew the situation was completely out of my control but, there was still this, "if I can <i>see </i>her, I can <i>protect </i>her". I guess it's a mom thing..<br /><br />About 15 minutes later, we got the call... baby Jackson William G. was here! Oh, and he was such a beauty! His mommy had a few more struggles, reactions to medication, but she was finally able to hold her miracle. They were a family. Yes, I cried. ;-)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbOsYNZecb0/WYS9p-XXZEI/AAAAAAAAlGo/uepfpxl6WfgE5bBhtJY_OlLt05fJEo_FwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbOsYNZecb0/WYS9p-XXZEI/AAAAAAAAlGo/uepfpxl6WfgE5bBhtJY_OlLt05fJEo_FwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0040.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgeAjvUDRQ8/WYS9pUl7g_I/AAAAAAAAlGk/is0qDtaqyhQaKIZIpXmsyxt99sat5m5uACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgeAjvUDRQ8/WYS9pUl7g_I/AAAAAAAAlGk/is0qDtaqyhQaKIZIpXmsyxt99sat5m5uACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0037.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5Y0vPbSV1E/WYS9peDIP9I/AAAAAAAAlGc/11FMDQQ_08IIRU52U-p9y0vKy135APEbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5Y0vPbSV1E/WYS9peDIP9I/AAAAAAAAlGc/11FMDQQ_08IIRU52U-p9y0vKy135APEbgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrqUsMx8bcw/WYS9pSItaJI/AAAAAAAAlGg/mWBq4Ghk4HIQCy1H4BWxV12EcQfmSMXdQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrqUsMx8bcw/WYS9pSItaJI/AAAAAAAAlGg/mWBq4Ghk4HIQCy1H4BWxV12EcQfmSMXdQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S23f9fqS-G0/WYS9p6p1nkI/AAAAAAAAlGs/sdxlL0Tw-0crJOgVNF2Z-hl-GFwNvDfoQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S23f9fqS-G0/WYS9p6p1nkI/AAAAAAAAlGs/sdxlL0Tw-0crJOgVNF2Z-hl-GFwNvDfoQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReewvdtozwE/WYS9pwqYd5I/AAAAAAAAlGw/R8a6RZqzzv8pGMGTrlO4WxEe69NqlbkJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReewvdtozwE/WYS9pwqYd5I/AAAAAAAAlGw/R8a6RZqzzv8pGMGTrlO4WxEe69NqlbkJwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Oh, and little Jackson missed being an April Fools' baby by four minutes. Lol!! March 31st, 11:56 pm. He weighed a wonderful 6 lb 14 oz and was 20 inches long. Joy!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4f8JaiRSNGI/WYS-sjVF_nI/AAAAAAAAlG8/WV4iCpElyN8PgvVTi09IG9_vIYSkQ3-1QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4f8JaiRSNGI/WYS-sjVF_nI/AAAAAAAAlG8/WV4iCpElyN8PgvVTi09IG9_vIYSkQ3-1QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCYGxR7huzg/WYS-spKpoaI/AAAAAAAAlHA/-UP7F8AvL5UnDtNsMs16VDsH9g6Z_JfqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCYGxR7huzg/WYS-spKpoaI/AAAAAAAAlHA/-UP7F8AvL5UnDtNsMs16VDsH9g6Z_JfqQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AXVknUGrrlg/WYS-smzgfSI/AAAAAAAAlG4/D3diz80MJiwJP-D56RQTvwlfqloEoUGSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AXVknUGrrlg/WYS-smzgfSI/AAAAAAAAlG4/D3diz80MJiwJP-D56RQTvwlfqloEoUGSgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah, Gramma snuck a stormtrooper in there!<br />Gotta start this baby off right! &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y81xeHhXA2M/WYS-tF862hI/AAAAAAAAlHE/IOaOXrD_IGwh4vxqIxiVmUrO-TpmW6yogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y81xeHhXA2M/WYS-tF862hI/AAAAAAAAlHE/IOaOXrD_IGwh4vxqIxiVmUrO-TpmW6yogCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0067.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwJSMQZbhVo/WYS-tIcvgnI/AAAAAAAAlHI/4HGvLnFM9QE5DKXP106NeRgO-fVjthMEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwJSMQZbhVo/WYS-tIcvgnI/AAAAAAAAlHI/4HGvLnFM9QE5DKXP106NeRgO-fVjthMEwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0074.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />For the most part, we had a wonderful team of caregivers at the hospital. One nurse in particular we wanted to scoop up and take home with us. Unfortunately, Shi's preeclampsia developed into eclampsia and there were several worry filled days. They finally got it under control, and mama and baby got to come home. You can safely assume that Mom/Gramma kept a close eye on the new mama's health. She recovered well, and Jared was able to extend his leave a bit due to the birth of his son ;-) &nbsp; Eventually, he had to return to duty, but with only a few weeks remaining of his contract, Shi and Jackson stayed here with us.<br /><br />In May, Jared was released from Active Duty, and the new family continued to live with us while he did job interviews. He got a great position (and has already been promoted!), and they'll be moving out on their own in a couple weeks. While it'll be great for them, Gramma's gonna miss her morning giggle fests with Jackson ;-)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwCFW60Ga7M/WYTAuoGSC8I/AAAAAAAAlHg/sX71F_YG-2Ai8ReTADZC3EUFMsBny00hACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0148.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwCFW60Ga7M/WYTAuoGSC8I/AAAAAAAAlHg/sX71F_YG-2Ai8ReTADZC3EUFMsBny00hACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0148.PNG" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homecoming Day!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBFKhtpeZSI/WYTAtwsu3JI/AAAAAAAAlHU/lh-4LXUItCAoQzxTiDiUNfmeP8VKSfnmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBFKhtpeZSI/WYTAtwsu3JI/AAAAAAAAlHU/lh-4LXUItCAoQzxTiDiUNfmeP8VKSfnmgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0207.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First bath</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ajustc6t3A/WYTAuM2n7uI/AAAAAAAAlHY/BTHfmRUbnyolQl16m8KjUGENSUi1RlNhgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0242.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ajustc6t3A/WYTAuM2n7uI/AAAAAAAAlHY/BTHfmRUbnyolQl16m8KjUGENSUi1RlNhgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0242.PNG" width="255" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtXn4nnCrwU/WYTAufMIQGI/AAAAAAAAlHc/iKBB17RZbiY4VowKexnGnElu_g3WbjJBQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtXn4nnCrwU/WYTAufMIQGI/AAAAAAAAlHc/iKBB17RZbiY4VowKexnGnElu_g3WbjJBQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0265.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYGGgFTN3ls/WYTAuiTGBNI/AAAAAAAAlHk/UFojkIrTS4A4rliJfs7DQZjqTsdmcxOEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYGGgFTN3ls/WYTAuiTGBNI/AAAAAAAAlHk/UFojkIrTS4A4rliJfs7DQZjqTsdmcxOEwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0698.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLDNMkFL4Zg/WYTBCNBqltI/AAAAAAAAlHs/uLQ4Y88-nUYAg67kdSq7_BNDHmOsxYhZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0717.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="360" height="310" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLDNMkFL4Zg/WYTBCNBqltI/AAAAAAAAlHs/uLQ4Y88-nUYAg67kdSq7_BNDHmOsxYhZwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0717.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMtXW4JWk9o/WYTBBveDJTI/AAAAAAAAlHo/9a52OyZCiG0kvNF3VofUggdXEoMJEax-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMtXW4JWk9o/WYTBBveDJTI/AAAAAAAAlHo/9a52OyZCiG0kvNF3VofUggdXEoMJEax-QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1114.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRUvePFhfRE/WYTBDdygZFI/AAAAAAAAlH4/iZ5N3ff5q2kVlq2yNpw1FwiqWWO7pFlyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1130.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRUvePFhfRE/WYTBDdygZFI/AAAAAAAAlH4/iZ5N3ff5q2kVlq2yNpw1FwiqWWO7pFlyACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1130.PNG" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M26fw-rtLlw/WYTBDMF2udI/AAAAAAAAlHw/AOx9UCW3R-8YL7dzGxJmmElGq3xsALZrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M26fw-rtLlw/WYTBDMF2udI/AAAAAAAAlHw/AOx9UCW3R-8YL7dzGxJmmElGq3xsALZrACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1277.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />This morning Jackson helped me out in the garden... evidently he enjoys basil! Lol!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Psixv8qMGzk/WYTBDD9ztRI/AAAAAAAAlH0/P0IUaTBUu34xd6YL7_5sXQt13Fb6YEYhwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Psixv8qMGzk/WYTBDD9ztRI/AAAAAAAAlH0/P0IUaTBUu34xd6YL7_5sXQt13Fb6YEYhwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1333.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3Me-xSVFn0/WYTBDtlbfXI/AAAAAAAAlH8/xfN0KXef2U4EzANIneVEWw8vJdYdA1euACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3Me-xSVFn0/WYTBDtlbfXI/AAAAAAAAlH8/xfN0KXef2U4EzANIneVEWw8vJdYdA1euACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1335.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYAAbmJSfew/WYTBDg4AEcI/AAAAAAAAlIA/jjp0tLfzkpQYEogpofFhFSYVTMkUip9vACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYAAbmJSfew/WYTBDg4AEcI/AAAAAAAAlIA/jjp0tLfzkpQYEogpofFhFSYVTMkUip9vACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1336.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx6tIkuGgZ4/WYTBD_P3JlI/AAAAAAAAlIE/0XMHplqYq4wNoTpVnaFR7hgABvfhdlXUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx6tIkuGgZ4/WYTBD_P3JlI/AAAAAAAAlIE/0XMHplqYq4wNoTpVnaFR7hgABvfhdlXUACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1337.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Jackson is now 4 months old, and an absolute delight! I cannot express how much joy I have watching Shi &amp; Jared with Jax. I am so grateful for the <a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2016/10/stepping-into-light.html"><b>technology we have now, and the dedicated and caring medical professionals who made this possible</b></a>. This family is a miracle.<br />We are so very blessed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-75317548582268267722017-02-08T12:32:00.004-07:002017-02-08T12:35:53.846-07:00Recent Life in PicturesI can't believe how quickly time is flying! And wow, have we packed in some major events in a short time, lol. Just after Christmas, Bill and I hopped on a plane and flew off to New Orleans! What an amazing Christmas gift! We had a blast! We had so much fun taking the tours, viewing the city, wandering the squares... we even took a few steps down Bourbon street - then we realized that is most definitely NOT our scene, haha! We did, however, spend a few hours just people watching down there - it's a whole 'nother world! LOL. &nbsp;It was wonderful, and COLD! A fabulous trip!! I can say New Orleans is truly the friendliest city I've ever been to - honest to goodness friendly - I'd go back in a heartbeat!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMjttvD5g-8/WJtql6U6BwI/AAAAAAAAhEM/eaZ_yZbNw-oI3QRn5Tiri9QtBTykDBFxACLcB/s1600/IMG_5481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMjttvD5g-8/WJtql6U6BwI/AAAAAAAAhEM/eaZ_yZbNw-oI3QRn5Tiri9QtBTykDBFxACLcB/s1600/IMG_5481.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, we got scammed by <br />Dan, Dan The Shoe-Shine Man. Lol!&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4fi2jDQrHY/WJtql1uatEI/AAAAAAAAhEI/mJT1flngaak7244zuYs7PSChMU3Ze6jeQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4fi2jDQrHY/WJtql1uatEI/AAAAAAAAhEI/mJT1flngaak7244zuYs7PSChMU3Ze6jeQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5493.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2df_hIcZ1c/WJtqmEMZSZI/AAAAAAAAhEQ/aFZtJJuzxbA5kb927MimLXLR37N-YspBQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2df_hIcZ1c/WJtqmEMZSZI/AAAAAAAAhEQ/aFZtJJuzxbA5kb927MimLXLR37N-YspBQCLcB/s320/IMG_5499.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnkIQycA-24/WJtqmBLQmmI/AAAAAAAAhEU/nsxNckjHiRYuRlZPT9d85SIxyeTUUPFogCLcB/s1600/IMG_5518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnkIQycA-24/WJtqmBLQmmI/AAAAAAAAhEU/nsxNckjHiRYuRlZPT9d85SIxyeTUUPFogCLcB/s1600/IMG_5518.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmAlesAqarg/WJtqmeerKGI/AAAAAAAAhEY/6as7RDgRtawHNvMVv6b2Xem61NAniAdIwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmAlesAqarg/WJtqmeerKGI/AAAAAAAAhEY/6as7RDgRtawHNvMVv6b2Xem61NAniAdIwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5528.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0c7QO2qIRU/WJtqmXq443I/AAAAAAAAhEc/nFBBcljOSucnt61vf1lJpKuIsN3BJmZRACLcB/s1600/IMG_5585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0c7QO2qIRU/WJtqmXq443I/AAAAAAAAhEc/nFBBcljOSucnt61vf1lJpKuIsN3BJmZRACLcB/s1600/IMG_5585.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxNbEm5jCQ4/WJtqmYPX0wI/AAAAAAAAhEg/ioncc_XWWokzqSwXd2ThO5itYYt48m9swCLcB/s1600/IMG_5594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxNbEm5jCQ4/WJtqmYPX0wI/AAAAAAAAhEg/ioncc_XWWokzqSwXd2ThO5itYYt48m9swCLcB/s1600/IMG_5594.JPG" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8R32sZr4rY/WJtqmsGIjmI/AAAAAAAAhEk/uE9kx1OTeyIFpdzdfnHNMgTnqjzTMfWpwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8R32sZr4rY/WJtqmsGIjmI/AAAAAAAAhEk/uE9kx1OTeyIFpdzdfnHNMgTnqjzTMfWpwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG, the food!!! YUM!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Back from LA, Shi and I dove headfirst into finalizing the baby shower plans. While that was going on, my garden was exploding! I was harvesting eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, radishes, carrots... crazy! I've still got eggplant coming out my ears, lol!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWqMMWOeBpA/WJtrWdkRHgI/AAAAAAAAhEs/UC8AIyn9GPQnFCdCr-p8nSCpUseUOHylgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWqMMWOeBpA/WJtrWdkRHgI/AAAAAAAAhEs/UC8AIyn9GPQnFCdCr-p8nSCpUseUOHylgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5645.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGlzzZY3H9w/WJtrWv_5lNI/AAAAAAAAhEw/eUfgRHRAJUIa12zHmGVggRBut05qizRtQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGlzzZY3H9w/WJtrWv_5lNI/AAAAAAAAhEw/eUfgRHRAJUIa12zHmGVggRBut05qizRtQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5646.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCfTU0diW5o/WJtrWxCW67I/AAAAAAAAhE0/zP8fDUnzgekSJXMzUiJDJA-LwrDYepDGACLcB/s1600/IMG_5651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCfTU0diW5o/WJtrWxCW67I/AAAAAAAAhE0/zP8fDUnzgekSJXMzUiJDJA-LwrDYepDGACLcB/s1600/IMG_5651.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dU9bCZNBa_0/WJtrXGyuaII/AAAAAAAAhE4/l2_PM8ZNxPk3fvpADJ9MrIWvvx0wh5RNwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dU9bCZNBa_0/WJtrXGyuaII/AAAAAAAAhE4/l2_PM8ZNxPk3fvpADJ9MrIWvvx0wh5RNwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5653.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OVr1g3rSPU/WJtrXQgSO0I/AAAAAAAAhE8/rJbWBY_vwM8Caim0716kh8qcoIPHi7g0QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OVr1g3rSPU/WJtrXQgSO0I/AAAAAAAAhE8/rJbWBY_vwM8Caim0716kh8qcoIPHi7g0QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5708.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcDVBI9Js8U/WJtrY7PctEI/AAAAAAAAhFE/L_np_1n7h882ceLX970_YwKR71qvM30JgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcDVBI9Js8U/WJtrY7PctEI/AAAAAAAAhFE/L_np_1n7h882ceLX970_YwKR71qvM30JgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5710.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9JXE7YHKJ0/WJtrYKMhdLI/AAAAAAAAhFA/Tk0XDf4DD60Ck6vAjWJR-z8_aWs-gB7DwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9JXE7YHKJ0/WJtrYKMhdLI/AAAAAAAAhFA/Tk0XDf4DD60Ck6vAjWJR-z8_aWs-gB7DwCLcB/s320/IMG_5711.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNMDrJqxOSY/WJtsHdqS8JI/AAAAAAAAhFM/27013k0AMrsMa3bHfS_L3Mu5MGt8iD6jQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNMDrJqxOSY/WJtsHdqS8JI/AAAAAAAAhFM/27013k0AMrsMa3bHfS_L3Mu5MGt8iD6jQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5633.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1c34UsYX4T4/WJtsHYdrHhI/AAAAAAAAhFU/R7Ji57DCXKo1Kxq0_3U0VPyvuiVipt_DQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1c34UsYX4T4/WJtsHYdrHhI/AAAAAAAAhFU/R7Ji57DCXKo1Kxq0_3U0VPyvuiVipt_DQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5763.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyv8381USK8/WJtsHY5e1OI/AAAAAAAAhFQ/T1oE6y7xG-YjHDGksDZWIufbVFZwAAuAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyv8381USK8/WJtsHY5e1OI/AAAAAAAAhFQ/T1oE6y7xG-YjHDGksDZWIufbVFZwAAuAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5774.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtrzoJcmNGo/WJttcJsZmwI/AAAAAAAAhGE/NVvXmDnGF6Ai43NNFpmjgENuLt08yFF7ACLcB/s1600/16507834_10154945476732716_2398664432897262566_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtrzoJcmNGo/WJttcJsZmwI/AAAAAAAAhGE/NVvXmDnGF6Ai43NNFpmjgENuLt08yFF7ACLcB/s320/16507834_10154945476732716_2398664432897262566_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>And then came the baby shower... So fun!!! The theme was Brewing Baby, and co-ed/family, so we had some really great stuff... the guest gifts were custom beer coozies (so cute), we had a "pub" vibe going, and even a cigar bar! There was cornhole, giant Jenga, an adorable duck game (throw the beanbag and knock over the ducks), and an ice-cream truck bounce house.<br /><br />The food was amazing (I found an incredible caterer, and though I love to cook, not having to for this event freed me up to be able to actually enjoy it, lol).<br /><br />Everything went beautifully, and Shi had a wonderful day to celebrate this sweet boy we can't wait to meet. He is already so incredibly loved.<br /><br />In the first pic below, you'll see giant helium balloons. Yes, they are floating over the pool. No, it did not go smoothly. &nbsp;I had purchased balloon weights for those big boys, and we dutifully tied them on securely, then Shi and I went to the pool and tossed the weight out to settle the balloon in the water, and... up up and away it flew!! OMG! That enormous balloon just took off! So... we did away with the puny weights, haha, and used bricks. At least it worked. ;-)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSFnIxmOexs/WJttQSoPBTI/AAAAAAAAhFg/1_l0Xb_Z_Yk4EPkO_hh3iMwV25AJuNvbgCLcB/s1600/16387949_10154945474647716_5048889874375943370_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSFnIxmOexs/WJttQSoPBTI/AAAAAAAAhFg/1_l0Xb_Z_Yk4EPkO_hh3iMwV25AJuNvbgCLcB/s320/16387949_10154945474647716_5048889874375943370_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxqR_dkNy2E/WJttQRYy_JI/AAAAAAAAhFc/6EAswIJ4fAcUuhFBq5n7PGSVqgwazbo3gCLcB/s1600/16427392_10154945476997716_1516615993174552555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxqR_dkNy2E/WJttQRYy_JI/AAAAAAAAhFc/6EAswIJ4fAcUuhFBq5n7PGSVqgwazbo3gCLcB/s320/16427392_10154945476997716_1516615993174552555_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVSt5GixozI/WJttQe1C8BI/AAAAAAAAhFk/aLnc-q0ckyIQw0qzc_JA3RPHjiIL13TjwCLcB/s1600/16472933_10154945476077716_9167939075646697625_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVSt5GixozI/WJttQe1C8BI/AAAAAAAAhFk/aLnc-q0ckyIQw0qzc_JA3RPHjiIL13TjwCLcB/s320/16472933_10154945476077716_9167939075646697625_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4fTBfRkmzk/WJttQw3iKzI/AAAAAAAAhFo/CJoovsrGNRA0uTUeF4r1ye8-Gmq_0_QhACLcB/s1600/16473691_10154945475252716_7879114150485091649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4fTBfRkmzk/WJttQw3iKzI/AAAAAAAAhFo/CJoovsrGNRA0uTUeF4r1ye8-Gmq_0_QhACLcB/s320/16473691_10154945475252716_7879114150485091649_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8AMu4fM41A/WJttQ7h229I/AAAAAAAAhFw/v4J990exfwUr8HleTtuqCv5r17OvY0vowCLcB/s1600/16473694_10154945474752716_8298452161192766587_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8AMu4fM41A/WJttQ7h229I/AAAAAAAAhFw/v4J990exfwUr8HleTtuqCv5r17OvY0vowCLcB/s320/16473694_10154945474752716_8298452161192766587_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zP_Y_B-Al08/WJttQ7c8LnI/AAAAAAAAhFs/g4SIjvlcrU4Oyw7vogGntUslG4iKT46wwCLcB/s1600/16473806_10154945475792716_6034729910821935772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zP_Y_B-Al08/WJttQ7c8LnI/AAAAAAAAhFs/g4SIjvlcrU4Oyw7vogGntUslG4iKT46wwCLcB/s320/16473806_10154945475792716_6034729910821935772_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMXMfGmNekY/WJttROHH1hI/AAAAAAAAhF0/LkKZwBsfB6Q_ZYet2V-OBEaIBkHANQWBACLcB/s1600/16508122_10154945475137716_2303585682024437400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMXMfGmNekY/WJttROHH1hI/AAAAAAAAhF0/LkKZwBsfB6Q_ZYet2V-OBEaIBkHANQWBACLcB/s320/16508122_10154945475137716_2303585682024437400_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LV9jAp3OW0/WJttRDt6HgI/AAAAAAAAhF4/bFdvcN1QX1o9Db7xMqy6INqv807WH4ETgCLcB/s1600/16508176_10154945475562716_3052553198304561947_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LV9jAp3OW0/WJttRDt6HgI/AAAAAAAAhF4/bFdvcN1QX1o9Db7xMqy6INqv807WH4ETgCLcB/s320/16508176_10154945475562716_3052553198304561947_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0bvOHJwpPk/WJttRWQUOAI/AAAAAAAAhF8/jGN2i-2bhKYIHbIa_mJ7FljRko_zOIS4QCLcB/s1600/16508862_10154945476227716_5707849498922280014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0bvOHJwpPk/WJttRWQUOAI/AAAAAAAAhF8/jGN2i-2bhKYIHbIa_mJ7FljRko_zOIS4QCLcB/s320/16508862_10154945476227716_5707849498922280014_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksqLVcWvTIA/WJtu2bGHtaI/AAAAAAAAhGY/fsyJDyaTCX0NqvXtbKkWPJkCi1oqFY6_wCLcB/s1600/16406839_10154945474967716_4433253925646369500_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksqLVcWvTIA/WJtu2bGHtaI/AAAAAAAAhGY/fsyJDyaTCX0NqvXtbKkWPJkCi1oqFY6_wCLcB/s320/16406839_10154945474967716_4433253925646369500_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egSK6mW9bpA/WJtu2Yifc9I/AAAAAAAAhGc/74wqdvC6QgUku--yzGcYa2suxSWpYnLywCLcB/s1600/16425953_10154945474892716_3942470117295349342_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egSK6mW9bpA/WJtu2Yifc9I/AAAAAAAAhGc/74wqdvC6QgUku--yzGcYa2suxSWpYnLywCLcB/s320/16425953_10154945474892716_3942470117295349342_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdaTo5p0rqw/WJtu2czZCpI/AAAAAAAAhGU/t0q2B1-KmgwprV6HefavTFcRcZAOeSBCACLcB/s1600/16426258_10154945476322716_1813501644981554321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdaTo5p0rqw/WJtu2czZCpI/AAAAAAAAhGU/t0q2B1-KmgwprV6HefavTFcRcZAOeSBCACLcB/s320/16426258_10154945476322716_1813501644981554321_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GDkSjs6w7A/WJtu3z82qYI/AAAAAAAAhGo/cca3i0V9oUANg-8mmNdPtJ37nVjg7GYZwCLcB/s1600/16472896_10154945475937716_1126367482304034644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GDkSjs6w7A/WJtu3z82qYI/AAAAAAAAhGo/cca3i0V9oUANg-8mmNdPtJ37nVjg7GYZwCLcB/s320/16472896_10154945475937716_1126367482304034644_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ARIQdD0hqM/WJtu39dwcAI/AAAAAAAAhGs/HRzqdHCNccYBT14cDUTbN2AalYLjEQmxQCLcB/s1600/16473542_10154945476417716_8358661406551434732_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ARIQdD0hqM/WJtu39dwcAI/AAAAAAAAhGs/HRzqdHCNccYBT14cDUTbN2AalYLjEQmxQCLcB/s320/16473542_10154945476417716_8358661406551434732_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are all the mini poloroids - <br />Each guest took a picture with Shiloh, then hung it here. So cute!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoniLWhPpjc/WJtu2ghzMmI/AAAAAAAAhGg/-D5LGnP5bNsCeMQSKZTnEfNCPUMc6nZyQCLcB/s1600/16473268_10154945476557716_2087980422801445631_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoniLWhPpjc/WJtu2ghzMmI/AAAAAAAAhGg/-D5LGnP5bNsCeMQSKZTnEfNCPUMc6nZyQCLcB/s320/16473268_10154945476557716_2087980422801445631_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3uZccEn3Wc/WJtu22S8gFI/AAAAAAAAhGk/JcJyAE8YLlk_qUTh4b8ixcccr67BjMp0ACLcB/s1600/16473973_10154945476607716_1824336514539358482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3uZccEn3Wc/WJtu22S8gFI/AAAAAAAAhGk/JcJyAE8YLlk_qUTh4b8ixcccr67BjMp0ACLcB/s320/16473973_10154945476607716_1824336514539358482_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos of Shi and Jared through the years.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IaBL15DqgSs/WJtvHZjRTrI/AAAAAAAAhGw/1Rjulfny3x8llezPFi0aBKWZ7_1wlARqQCLcB/s1600/16427429_10154945476807716_5541553708901782385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IaBL15DqgSs/WJtvHZjRTrI/AAAAAAAAhGw/1Rjulfny3x8llezPFi0aBKWZ7_1wlARqQCLcB/s320/16427429_10154945476807716_5541553708901782385_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IheirCO9KAs/WJtvQeaVU2I/AAAAAAAAhG0/tBj2DAEyhaQ-JY-EWlZnxqB1Gchp08MQwCLcB/s1600/16299259_10154945470647716_2166390906993064970_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IheirCO9KAs/WJtvQeaVU2I/AAAAAAAAhG0/tBj2DAEyhaQ-JY-EWlZnxqB1Gchp08MQwCLcB/s320/16299259_10154945470647716_2166390906993064970_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiloh with brother Joey &amp; Amber</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8tDJRnjyvF4/WJtvQQkpZjI/AAAAAAAAhG8/RRfdO1OLrF8U6FeaFq8yR6gVL53pXOZBgCLcB/s1600/16425790_10154945472102716_1343800509472574540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8tDJRnjyvF4/WJtvQQkpZjI/AAAAAAAAhG8/RRfdO1OLrF8U6FeaFq8yR6gVL53pXOZBgCLcB/s320/16425790_10154945472102716_1343800509472574540_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiloh with sister Ariel &amp; Kerry</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0JLvn59BXo/WJtvQZsk0HI/AAAAAAAAhG4/BIWqTkCyMgAmLClxWwuoYn31-G44rDg2QCLcB/s1600/16427228_10154945474257716_6055595757103337216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0JLvn59BXo/WJtvQZsk0HI/AAAAAAAAhG4/BIWqTkCyMgAmLClxWwuoYn31-G44rDg2QCLcB/s320/16427228_10154945474257716_6055595757103337216_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shi and her friend Brianna (just look at that baby bump!!!)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqBhBKiX1os/WJtvQuBxsUI/AAAAAAAAhHA/o42Ly2Q6ZokE-ibWG2gbJOcyHV_RQsGkACLcB/s1600/16473472_10154945469202716_5681435281702078822_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqBhBKiX1os/WJtvQuBxsUI/AAAAAAAAhHA/o42Ly2Q6ZokE-ibWG2gbJOcyHV_RQsGkACLcB/s320/16473472_10154945469202716_5681435281702078822_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiloh with Papa &amp; GG (my parents)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcB2Fmab4w8/WJtvQiZ9axI/AAAAAAAAhHE/mkZSPvTjIssrgnK30kXi6SvkZI6Kk7f-QCLcB/s1600/Bill_Chelle_Shiloh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcB2Fmab4w8/WJtvQiZ9axI/AAAAAAAAhHE/mkZSPvTjIssrgnK30kXi6SvkZI6Kk7f-QCLcB/s320/Bill_Chelle_Shiloh.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and I with Shiloh. We are so very blessed.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>Now that the party is completed, Shi's in full nesting-mode, haha. It's so fun! All the little tiny baby clothes, toys, and various bits and pieces "necessary" to take care of baby boy. She's chosen her hospital, picked her pediatrician, written her birth plan... so much done, and much still to do! It's all so exciting!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Well, that, my friends, is the last month of my life in photos. ;-) I hope the new year is treating you well!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-12957981792385643682017-01-05T12:37:00.000-07:002017-01-05T12:37:02.034-07:00New Year, New World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ26n3pbUPA/WG6dGM-RlHI/AAAAAAAAhAs/SWDpd-QavO8QeRO21SndwQS_qOzVuEnegCLcB/s1600/2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ26n3pbUPA/WG6dGM-RlHI/AAAAAAAAhAs/SWDpd-QavO8QeRO21SndwQS_qOzVuEnegCLcB/s1600/2017.jpg" /></a></div>Happy 2017!! So far, it's already better than the last two years, lol. &nbsp;The last two years have greeted us with heartache, grief, and despair. In contrast, today I got to feel my precious grandbaby kick for the first time (first for me, not for his mama). Tomorrow I fly out with my incredible husband to New Orleans for some awesome couple-time. And... I'm on the cusp of expanding Recipe For Fitness. Woohoo!!! Starting a new year with Joy? Yes, please and thank you!!<br /><br />Definitely better than 2015 and 2016. Definitely.<br /><br /><i>And </i>because it wouldn't be <i>my </i>life without a little extra chaos/activity, we're also hip deep in baby shower planning. Ya'll should see the notebook we've got going! I'll have to post a pic of it soon. So exciting!! She's got the cutest theme, and it's co-ed/family, rather than the traditional 'women only'. It's going to be super fun!<br /><br />We're finally able to start enjoying some "normal" meals together, haha, since Shi can (finally) eat chicken and beef. Her food aversions are giving her a break. Yay! She's been doing great with her exercise, too... we see Kayla (the amazing trainer/coach) 3 times a week - two days in the main gym, and one day in Reformer Pilates. And it's been fun to be able to do it together (makes me miss even more having Mom here and going to Pilates with me - we could make it three generations together in the gym!).<br /><br />Other than all that, we're still packing away Christmas, and culling out what we'll re-purpose for the shower, trying to keep the pups out of everything (already lost a poor defenseless stuffed snowman), I'm keeping up with my continuing ed and new business direction, and though I haven't done any recipe development in awhile, I'm looking forward to diving back into that soon. &nbsp;I've got a garden ready to harvest, so I'll have fun playing with ways to utilize my bounty. ;-)<br /><br />I hope the New Year is treating you well!<br />Best Wishes!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-52594745355440768402016-12-26T17:12:00.000-07:002016-12-26T17:12:05.652-07:00Merry Christmas!I hope your holiday was warm and bright. Can you believe it's nearly 2017? Wow!<br /><br />We had our holiday party - it was a blast! Because it was a combined event (business &amp; personal), we were able to do a few extra fun things, like I mentioned before... ice rink, snow machine, mechanical reindeer... awesome-sauce!!! The day before the party, the rental company called me saying that the folks who'd rented the ice rink before me had destroyed it. Oh crap! They were able to salvage only 1/3 of it! So, they cut me a major deal, then gave us a human snowglobe. Lol! It was so cool! I am short on photos, but these will give you an idea. And yes - I did ride the mechanical reindeer. I think I lasted all of 4 seconds. LOL!!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGTWQ9j0jiA/WGGlpljOoJI/AAAAAAAAg9E/zHutUnK-Ez0qE_m0ElHtmeefgZni2p8cQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGTWQ9j0jiA/WGGlpljOoJI/AAAAAAAAg9E/zHutUnK-Ez0qE_m0ElHtmeefgZni2p8cQCLcB/s320/IMG_5380.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set up time! The snowglobe has blowing "snow"<br />inside of it. You enter through the back then it's<br />an awesome photo opp!</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDxTimzanYM/WGGnV1xuXvI/AAAAAAAAg9Y/tjBbk3uPUaEbiSONh_pneoIk3rofksenQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDxTimzanYM/WGGnV1xuXvI/AAAAAAAAg9Y/tjBbk3uPUaEbiSONh_pneoIk3rofksenQCLcB/s320/IMG_1007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and I in the globe. Family members were shaking it trying to get us to fall.<br />They succeeded. Lol!&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-wjXPyY8hE/WGGlph6dnNI/AAAAAAAAg9A/zlJVTKqL3h01aIYbZyp4zWPdHZzmrJ2JACLcB/s1600/IMG_5395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-wjXPyY8hE/WGGlph6dnNI/AAAAAAAAg9A/zlJVTKqL3h01aIYbZyp4zWPdHZzmrJ2JACLcB/s320/IMG_5395.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This reindeer was the hit of the night! The kids<br />adored it (and were so cute!). As the evening progressed,<br />the adults commandeered it, lol! And let me tell you,<br />it's no toy! That thing can MOVE!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYAAKlJkHcM/WGGlpkoc-BI/AAAAAAAAg88/ELsxdhU4CBsoqEipz5xv5Rn6WNgq0H_mgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYAAKlJkHcM/WGGlpkoc-BI/AAAAAAAAg88/ELsxdhU4CBsoqEipz5xv5Rn6WNgq0H_mgCLcB/s320/IMG_5403.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Synthetic ice rink! So fun!</td></tr></tbody></table>The boys weren't very happy with their accommodations for the party, haha, but we made it up to them in treats and snuggles.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUpnkIz4lqc/WGGmdHGb00I/AAAAAAAAg9I/px5SM0oIrZgH1JBUT47Sz2bl7P2Lqf98wCLcB/s1600/IMG_5389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUpnkIz4lqc/WGGmdHGb00I/AAAAAAAAg9I/px5SM0oIrZgH1JBUT47Sz2bl7P2Lqf98wCLcB/s320/IMG_5389.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TT-0OIBI6Mo/WGGnrws2ppI/AAAAAAAAg9c/MXewaf2VWZIsRL8YHEIrx8ch_zzOrSkjQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TT-0OIBI6Mo/WGGnrws2ppI/AAAAAAAAg9c/MXewaf2VWZIsRL8YHEIrx8ch_zzOrSkjQCLcB/s320/IMG_0980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was a great party, and a really fun time. When all was said and done, we had nearly 100 people there! Woohoo!<br /><br />After the party, it was the final stretch to Christmas. Our daughter Ariel spent the holiday with her boyfriend &amp; his family out of town, our son-in-law Jared is deployed, and my parents were mid-move, so our group was smaller this year, and we missed them very much. Jared was able to skype in for the gift opening, and again later for dinner, and that was fabulous for all of us, but especially Shiloh.<br /><br />Speaking of Shiloh - she's now 24 weeks pregnant! We've hit viability!! Yay!!!!! She's beautiful, glowing, and growing :-) I just love having her here during this pregnancy. And, oh that baby bump!!! hehehe!!<br /><br />Christmas Eve, we had our annual poker party - which didn't last as long as usual due to the missing folks, lol. Everyone had fun playing, and I had fun prepping breakfast for the next morning. We tried two homemade cinnamon roll recipes, plus my traditional <a href="http://recipeforfitness.com/recipes/breakfast/breakfast_burritos.html"><b><span style="color: #660000;">breakfast burritos</span></b></a>. Yum! Sunday was wonderful, I love having my family gathered together, and hope next year to have them ALL here. ;-)<br /><br />For dinner, I used my sous vide Joule - so easy!!!! I seriously love that tool! I had cooked the carrots the day before, so about an hour before the beef was done, I just put those back in the water bath and they were ready when we were. Did I say it's so easy? Because it is! LOL!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpCJ8Alddkc/WGGrSzzOteI/AAAAAAAAg9w/F3Y09kMevpEZD-F683G-dh8Dg3i2J_XFgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpCJ8Alddkc/WGGrSzzOteI/AAAAAAAAg9w/F3Y09kMevpEZD-F683G-dh8Dg3i2J_XFgCLcB/s320/IMG_5448.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to cut my roast in half in order to fit in the skillet for searing, lol.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAJwj3eVJm8/WGGrSyxSAUI/AAAAAAAAg9s/ibzNME5g5M0EWfKpFccfklpmAInODL-IgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAJwj3eVJm8/WGGrSyxSAUI/AAAAAAAAg9s/ibzNME5g5M0EWfKpFccfklpmAInODL-IgCLcB/s320/IMG_5450.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 2 hours in the water bath, the beef had just an hour to go, so I added the carrots back in to warm up.<br />Worked perfectly!&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ChefSteps-CS10001-Joule-White-Stainless/dp/B01M8MMLBI/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1482796828&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=joule"><span style="color: #660000;">Joule </span></a></b>is my favorite toy, lol. &nbsp;Anyway, dinner enjoyed, leftovers divvied up, pups spoiled and kids all hugged, then it was just us. Shi and Bear went to bed, and Bill and I lit a fire and cuddled up on the patio to watch Deepwater Horizon and savor our well-earned wine. It was a great day, and a beautiful night.<br /><br />This coming year will bring some fun and exciting events - Bill is taking me to New Orleans in a couple weeks!! Shi helped him get it all booked and set up, even put the info into a binder for me for Christmas! (Yes - the organizational binder. I raised her well!). I'm so excited!!! Then of course, Jared comes home (hopefully before the birth), and Baby is due mid April. There are no words to express my joy and gratitude for this baby!!<br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9-eQEx6oms/WGGva6usJuI/AAAAAAAAg98/PClikFZMav8nLvJkc-KwNWkU_xD53kgNACLcB/s1600/innboonsboro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9-eQEx6oms/WGGva6usJuI/AAAAAAAAg98/PClikFZMav8nLvJkc-KwNWkU_xD53kgNACLcB/s200/innboonsboro.jpg" width="138" /></a><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span><br />And, because my husband is the world's greatest, there's another event planned for the fall.... Me, my mom, and Shiloh are heading to Maryland to stay at...<br /><br /><span style="color: #660000;"><b><a href="http://innboonsboro.com/">Inn Boonsboro</a></b></span>!!! Wooooohoooo!!!!<br /><br />If you're &nbsp;not familiar with Inn Boonsboro, check out the link above. It's the setting for a Nora Roberts Trilogy (<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nora-Roberts-Boonsboro-Trilogy-Boxed/dp/0425273504/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1482796615&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=inn+boonsboro+trilogy+by+nora+roberts"><span style="color: #660000;">here</span></a></b>), and we can't wait to experience it!! The boys (Bill, my Dad, and Jared) will be on baby &amp; puppy duty, lol, while us girls get a weekend away. Happy Dance!!!!<br /><br />Here's to looking forward to what 2017 brings. I hope this year ends quietly and gently for all of us, and that next year brings joy, peace, and adventure. Best Wishes to You!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-51757237228413216702016-12-05T13:53:00.000-07:002016-12-05T13:55:54.819-07:00Happy Holidays!I can't believe it's been so long since my last post! Yikes!<br />So... a quick catch up...<br /><br />Daughter is blooming in her pregnancy - she's currently 21 weeks along! I can't give words to how grateful we are for this growing baby! Here's his pic at 19 weeks...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKrj-kIVFeg/WEXLeLYTzEI/AAAAAAAAg5U/gQS_g8ArPx4yV13QIGDZYPYc2UiOpypxACLcB/s1600/IMG_5251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKrj-kIVFeg/WEXLeLYTzEI/AAAAAAAAg5U/gQS_g8ArPx4yV13QIGDZYPYc2UiOpypxACLcB/s320/IMG_5251.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />The boys are (mostly) staying out of trouble. Hunter and Bear still get into it here and there, but Loki is the resident referee. Lol. So far we've only lost a stuffed Rudolph, one santa slipper, and a handful of holiday picks. We're pretty sure Loki is the culprit, but he does a great frame job on Hunter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMls2vGh85g/WEXLeSHK7EI/AAAAAAAAg5Y/Cz4L9CtcfD00ASkebl1gXNhH89lFBF4RQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMls2vGh85g/WEXLeSHK7EI/AAAAAAAAg5Y/Cz4L9CtcfD00ASkebl1gXNhH89lFBF4RQCLcB/s320/IMG_5255.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br />Our best friend's daughter got married - she was such a beautiful bride! I definitely cried when she and her dad had their dance. So sweet! &nbsp;Here's Bill and I at the reception.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tku9B5moZRg/WEXLeakqcxI/AAAAAAAAg5c/bcMyBHsPcXgk1AkTqjsQhaMNRyQhTioZwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tku9B5moZRg/WEXLeakqcxI/AAAAAAAAg5c/bcMyBHsPcXgk1AkTqjsQhaMNRyQhTioZwCLcB/s320/IMG_5256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />We had a great thanksgiving. I even managed to brine two turkeys, flip them on day 2, and despite having a tweaked back, I did not end up on my ass holding a sopping wet bird. Victory is MINE!!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSounhQzpVg/WEXQf9EWoEI/AAAAAAAAg6I/RTKg5zqsee4F7bGNA5l2nwRD9IdHZvi-gCEw/s1600/IMG_5275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSounhQzpVg/WEXQf9EWoEI/AAAAAAAAg6I/RTKg5zqsee4F7bGNA5l2nwRD9IdHZvi-gCEw/s320/IMG_5275.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0YffC1ob8k/WEXQf-bnP3I/AAAAAAAAg6A/drsQ223P8wMGX2x6qtguh1yWNqiBcOXMgCEw/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0YffC1ob8k/WEXQf-bnP3I/AAAAAAAAg6A/drsQ223P8wMGX2x6qtguh1yWNqiBcOXMgCEw/s320/IMG_5274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I made use of my turkey roaster, ninja cooker, and multiple crockpots - along with the oven, lol. Full spread. And I loved preparing and serving it. I told Bill I needed a bigger counter for next year, though. Ha! Ya'll can imagine how he responded. Hehehe.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHdVEZXdTUg/WEXQf8k9cgI/AAAAAAAAg6E/B_zf5mMUc9QPReoq-YGnvoElu6-NT_qqgCEw/s1600/IMG_5276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHdVEZXdTUg/WEXQf8k9cgI/AAAAAAAAg6E/B_zf5mMUc9QPReoq-YGnvoElu6-NT_qqgCEw/s320/IMG_5276.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Ended the night relaxing with some wine and old Gilmore Girls. The next day, Shi and I marathoned the new Gilmore Girls. Woohoo!!! And yes, we watched it while eating chinese food &amp; pizza. Lol.<br /><br />Saturday, the kids all came over to help set up the Christmas decorations. During a break, Joey took the Can-Am for a spin to continue breaking it in. Evidently artificial rocks aren't just for decoration. Lol. Hunter very much enjoys riding - passenger seat or back, he's fine either way. Loki and Bear not so much.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyEKjw1gQr0/WEXLetKQ76I/AAAAAAAAg5g/YPs9bmMgtSM5nUZB65r7PwcGMvqT4gtmwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyEKjw1gQr0/WEXLetKQ76I/AAAAAAAAg5g/YPs9bmMgtSM5nUZB65r7PwcGMvqT4gtmwCLcB/s320/IMG_5278.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />House is all decorated up. We even got lights on the trees outside! Woot! Of course, the dogs (ahem, Loki) have eaten through one of the strands, so that'll need to be replaced.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0d_GRsJbbfY/WEXLelyOqxI/AAAAAAAAg5k/12Qe9gkXzcYNXDMgYj2-Z4LAs36rg3XWgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0d_GRsJbbfY/WEXLelyOqxI/AAAAAAAAg5k/12Qe9gkXzcYNXDMgYj2-Z4LAs36rg3XWgCLcB/s320/IMG_5287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o49AP9wNw1o/WEXLeqstZYI/AAAAAAAAg5o/FLg2zdIN_zIofou2FuO1RsnEGqbzd16mgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o49AP9wNw1o/WEXLeqstZYI/AAAAAAAAg5o/FLg2zdIN_zIofou2FuO1RsnEGqbzd16mgCLcB/s320/IMG_5291.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3aib_h-sQjU/WEXLe8rGJOI/AAAAAAAAg5s/6BlfovYirLoJcKcyow4VuCQzq0C-g8StACLcB/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3aib_h-sQjU/WEXLe8rGJOI/AAAAAAAAg5s/6BlfovYirLoJcKcyow4VuCQzq0C-g8StACLcB/s320/IMG_5294.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Foodwise, I'm loving my Joule from ChefSteps. Sous vide is so much fun!!! I've been playing with all kinds of recipes, and adore the "poached" eggs. The steaks are absolutely incomparable! If you don't know about sous vide, check out <a href="https://www.chefsteps.com/sous-vide">this article</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/what-is-sous-vide">this one</a>. &nbsp;Having played around with it, I can tell you it's the most painless and idiot proof method of cooking. Even more than the crockpot!! Seriously - a steak that you CAN'T overcook??? Count me in!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs8inC5M7mk/WEXLfHxL1dI/AAAAAAAAg5w/R-SFWsExvK4hNv5Ga1MqrUMPeN_VK6j4wCLcB/s1600/IMG_5301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs8inC5M7mk/WEXLfHxL1dI/AAAAAAAAg5w/R-SFWsExvK4hNv5Ga1MqrUMPeN_VK6j4wCLcB/s320/IMG_5301.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sous Vide Steak with Poached Egg &amp; <br />Roasted Asparagus</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6Hg75v5oIg/WEXLfIJFRwI/AAAAAAAAg50/xeW8HEGk8HMZzhQLakeMJUPTuaMxqubVwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6Hg75v5oIg/WEXLfIJFRwI/AAAAAAAAg50/xeW8HEGk8HMZzhQLakeMJUPTuaMxqubVwCLcB/s320/IMG_5302.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sous Vide Teriyaki Chicken &amp; Veggies with <br />Poached Egg</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Other things in the works currently include getting ready for the big Christmas Party. I've been working on the party since September, so Friday I started working on my followups with the vendors.<br />Lighting - check.<br />Caterer - check.<br />Equipment (ice rink, snow blower, mechanical reindeer) - <b><i>NOT CHECK!!!&nbsp;</i></b><br /><br />OMG, I booked it for the <i>wrong date</i>!!!! Menopause-brain strikes!! Panic ensued, frantic phone calls, emails, panic... thankfully, my rep was able to get everything straightened out with no blood loss. Whew!!!!! Unfortunately, my prego daughter couldn't wait to tell Bill what I'd done. What a brat.<br /><br />Now I'm working on finalizing the beverage list - seriously, how much booze for 75 people? Lol.<br /><br />Additionally, after a painful weekend, I finally hauled my butt to the dentist. Now I'm looking at a multi-hour visit tomorrow morning for a couple crowns, a filling, and the possibility of a root canal. Dagnabbit. Of course, the fact that it's been about 10 years since my last dental checkup might have something to do with it. #$%&amp;@!!! &nbsp;Don't judge. Lol.<br /><br />And so... that's my update. And now prego-Shi and I are off to the gym. We're both battling colds, so hopefully it won't kick our butts too badly, lol. &nbsp;Wish us luck!<br /><br />Happy Holiday Season!!!<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-84450587661162873032016-10-19T13:42:00.002-07:002016-10-19T13:42:50.634-07:00Are We There Yet?Well, Shi is almost completely unpacked. We do have her TV on the dining room table still - keep forgetting to have Bill move it into her room. It's too heavy for her to lift, and while I certainly can, I don't want to take responsibility should a stray pup wander between my legs and it comes crashing down. Lol. She's ordered a bassinet for her room, since she and the baby will still be here for a couple weeks before Jared is out (finishes his military commitment in June). I've also got the cradle my Dad did when the kids were babies. :-) That'll go in the living room. So excited!<br /><br />We've got a regular checkup on Friday morning for her, then after that Bill and I head out to Colorado for the weekend. So looking forward to it! Going to eat great food, soak in amazing hot springs, and drink wine by the fire. Ahhh! Are we there yet?<br /><br />It's still a challenge to find family meals... While Bill and I are loving the meats we got from our Butcher Box order, Shi is continuing to find meat a challenge. We did upgrade to her being able to eat scrambled eggs again, though, so I'll take that as a victory. I've got her all stocked up for protein smoothies while we're out of town, so I can rest assured she's getting enough nutrients. Lol.<br /><br />I'm continuing my workouts with Kayla. We try for 3x/week, but mostly we're hitting 2x. That's ok, for now. I'm also still trying to get my hormones 'fixed', so my energy is pretty low most days. Once we're on track with that, though, I'm looking forward to getting my drive back. So far, most of my numbers are improving and coming in line, there are only two that are a current concern... progesterone and prolactin. I'm zippo on the first, and crazy high on the second. Not a whole lot of fun. Doc is still considering kicking me onto a Keto diet if there's no improvement on my next blood panel. Hopefully I can avoid that. Crossing my fingers (and toes)!<br /><br />Food, like I mentioned earlier, is great. Balanced, though per doctor's orders I've lowered my protein intake (which feels so weird after all these years!). More veggies. And more veggies. Lol. I'm cooking more, which is wonderful. With all the stress, we had fallen into ordering take-out. Thankfully, our area is full of great choices, even gluten free! Still, home cooked is best, and I'm glad to be back in action there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPDTqeStrvQ/WAfZ1LHUmjI/AAAAAAAAgtg/iPAR5IsXcX0ggYgkSjW99NetWspKL9klQCLcB/s1600/agoraphobia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPDTqeStrvQ/WAfZ1LHUmjI/AAAAAAAAgtg/iPAR5IsXcX0ggYgkSjW99NetWspKL9klQCLcB/s200/agoraphobia.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Honesty </i></span>- With everything we've gone through in the last couple years, all of my energy has gone to simply taking the next step, whatever it might be. Whether it's waiting for test results, or driving back and forth to California for another procedure, or grieving test results, or... it's truly been all consuming. At one point, I couldn't leave the house unless it was to drive to CA. Literally couldn't leave. If a task wasn't for Shi or for Bill, it didn't get done. &nbsp;I ordered groceries delivered. Prime Now was my best friend. Part of me was terrified because of it, but the rest of me was just too buried under the fog of anxiety, depression, and fear.<br /><br />Thankfully, I had great support at home (and a really fantastic online group of friends - I'm talkin' to you, EXPN!), and eventually managed to crawl out of that hermit hole. Social events are, to be honest, a serious challenge for me still. But I can go to the grocery store, run errands, and occasionally go to the mall - though that many people is... difficult. I hate to say it, but I dread the holiday shopping season. It's just hard to be surrounded by a lot of people. I don't like feeling this way - I don't like the anxiety, the random anger. It's not <i>me</i>. I'm a people person. I love crowds - the energy. I miss that joy. But... I know I'll get it back. Correction - I'm <i>getting </i>it back.<br /><br />And in the meantime, I'll continue to plug along, enjoy the time with my family, plan for my daughter's family, cook, workout, (play gow, lol)... life goes on. I'll look forward to what's ahead... in the short term - simply being back in the kitchen, a getaway or two with my hubby, family holidays... in the long term, the birth of our grandbaby, family/friend weddings &amp; events, and more. There's so much to be grateful for. I'm choosing to live in hope &amp; joy - it's so much brighter out here than in my previous cave of doubt and fear.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifP-JiLfbe4/WAfYc-cAjZI/AAAAAAAAgtY/1WfjjK9y6mYIXLu6ye3QrRs89ikOg6_BwCLcB/s1600/joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifP-JiLfbe4/WAfYc-cAjZI/AAAAAAAAgtY/1WfjjK9y6mYIXLu6ye3QrRs89ikOg6_BwCLcB/s320/joy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-12423261354921334312016-10-02T10:55:00.001-07:002016-10-02T10:55:09.679-07:00Stepping Into the Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjUXd5mQgxk/V-9PSHv-oJI/AAAAAAAAgqo/w9xjX_-0F1Y_dhG-9sT7kWdA8hVlWLpKACLcB/s1600/transparency.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjUXd5mQgxk/V-9PSHv-oJI/AAAAAAAAgqo/w9xjX_-0F1Y_dhG-9sT7kWdA8hVlWLpKACLcB/s320/transparency.png" width="320" /></a></div>When I began blogging eight years ago, I promised I would be transparent. I promised to share - the good and the bad, honestly. I have. Faithfully. For <i>six</i> of those years.<br /><br />Over time, you've seen me grow, fight, achieve. You've shared with me your support and your love. And I value you. I thank you.<br /><br />Because of that love and support, today I am opening the door on the last two years of my life. All those things I told you I would share when I could... Now is that time. <br />&nbsp;(My daughter has shared her journey - I encourage you to read it <b><a href="http://21andinfertile.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">here</span></a></b>.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ieCfL06KLcw/V-r4TmHVgDI/AAAAAAAAgpU/gg3rjXqRVq8ZY7yCQ4ksMHO_Tj3TXo3wgCLcB/s1600/pregnancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ieCfL06KLcw/V-r4TmHVgDI/AAAAAAAAgpU/gg3rjXqRVq8ZY7yCQ4ksMHO_Tj3TXo3wgCLcB/s200/pregnancy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It began with three beautiful, amazing words -<br /><i><br /></i><i>"Mom, I'm pregnant."</i><br /><br />Oh, Bill and I &nbsp;were so excited!! Being me, I instantly hit up the bookstores... <i>baby</i> this, <i>mommy</i> that, <i>daddy</i> the other... <i>nutrition</i> for pregnancy and babies... &nbsp; (because you know me) ... stacks of books. Then came the baby clothes, and toys, and so much! We had a blast planning, chatting, it was the <i>best</i> time!<br /><br />Until it wasn't.<br /><br />Until an 8 week ultrasound broke our hearts. The baby had died. Their doctor grieved, and even cried when he told them. I grieved for the loss, for my daughter and her husband, and I was so angry that I was 5 hours away and wasn't there. I felt so helpless, so useless. Honestly, I was so jealous of that damn doctor. He was able to physically convey his sympathy. I wasn't. &nbsp;Yet, I was so grateful he was there... But that was only the beginning.<br /><br />The pregnancy announcement should have been the start of something wonderful, instead it opened a door to a world of fear and sorrow. What followed was two years of sheer hell. Despair. Grief. Joy. Hope. Disappointment. Terror. Depression. Devastation. Incredible highs, only to be faced with soul-shredding lows. &nbsp;I would give anything, absolutely anything, to have spared my kids from the battle they've fought.<br /><br />It has a name, that battle. It has a definition. 1 in 8 couples in America suffers from it. It's classified as a disease, and yet insurance does not cover it. It won't kill you, but it will eat away at you and devour your dreams.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It is Infertility.</span><br /><br /><i>Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after 12 months of trying to conceive. &nbsp;If you are over the age of 35, the time of trying to conceive is reduced to 6 months. &nbsp;(<a href="http://www.resolve.org/">Resolve.com</a>) &nbsp;</i><br /><div><br /></div>I was young when I married the first time. By the age of 20, I had experienced my first miscarriage, and delivered my first child. By 26, I had three beautiful children, six lost angels, and had a medically necessary hysterectomy. There was no explanation for my struggles. No medical professional ever took my miscarriages seriously - I was young, there was <i>plenty of time</i>. Until there wasn't. I helplessly grieved each loss. I cherished my rainbow babies. But I never got answers. Time moved on.<br /><br />Two years ago, when my daughter and her husband had decided to begin their family, oh how we rejoiced! Yet in sorrow, I have watched history repeat itself. To date, she has experienced 5 miscarriages, undergone countless tests, been given heartbreaking results, and has humbled me with her strength and grace.<br /><br />We are so grateful, so blessed, that unlike <i>my</i> experience, Shiloh had a doctor who truly cared. He tested, he researched, he listened. And he when all signs pointed to... he referred her to a wonderful infertility specialist who has been a consistent light in a very dark time. <br /><br />It's been a time of seeking. As we've traveled this path, we've had a significant learning curve. While there is some research, there isn't enough. Not nearly enough. Particularly in young women. In May of 2015, my daughter was diagnosed with <a href="http://www.resolve.org/about-infertility/medical-conditions/premature-ovarian-failure-what-do-i-need-to-know.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/"><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Premature Ovarian Failure</span></b></i></a>. While she was only 21, her ovaries were like those of a 46 year old woman. Testing also revealed that she has the <a href="http://mthfr.net/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">MTFHR</span> </a>genetic mutation, which among other things, means that she can't absorb folic acid and vitamin B like "normal people". Additionally there is a blood clotting disorder. &nbsp;(At the urging of Shiloh's doctor, we had my other daughter and myself tested. We all three have it.) FYI, those of us in this world call it (sorry for the language) the Mother Fucker&nbsp;Gene. Because, yeah. It's like that. &nbsp;Not kidding. &nbsp;Google it.<br /><br />Putting together my daughter's diagnosis, further test results, and family history (namely, me -<i> let's talk about guilt</i>), it's estimated that Shiloh will experience complete reproductive failure by about age 26 (total terminal failure - hysterectomy). In light of this, they decided to perform two aggressive IVF cycles - back to back, in an effort to retrieve as many eggs as possible. It is terribly expensive, prohibitively so. It breaks my heart to think of the couples who can't pursue the option. I'm so grateful for my husband and the way he embraced this fight. &nbsp;Because of him, we were able to proceed with the IVF process. <br /><br />From May to the end of July, 2015, Shiloh underwent IVF. After low egg numbers the first cycle, the second one was "all out". Medications were increased, stims were even higher. &nbsp;The trauma of the first cycle was nothing compared to &nbsp;the second. All those trips back and forth to San Diego last year were for those two cycles. To help in whatever way I could, and to care for Shiloh after her surgeries.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOzFVR5l3j8/V-ryQeKJ6kI/AAAAAAAAgo0/eH_U7yvQILEgw8v-XCrR84uc88TQfo2xwCLcB/s1600/20150626_103607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOzFVR5l3j8/V-ryQeKJ6kI/AAAAAAAAgo0/eH_U7yvQILEgw8v-XCrR84uc88TQfo2xwCLcB/s320/20150626_103607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's an awful process. The sheer amount of hormones being pumped into the body, the daily needles &amp; injections, the distressing bruises, weight gain, mood swings, the fear and doubt that try to drown out hope... and then the painful retrieval procedure and recovery. I so wish I could have spared her. But I couldn't. So I cooked. Lol.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBH0-AaqE8A/V-rzBJQaGwI/AAAAAAAAgo4/zySEETv0iPkg5LyKBfD8gXiZVrGSm3BkACLcB/s1600/20150729_074318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBH0-AaqE8A/V-rzBJQaGwI/AAAAAAAAgo4/zySEETv0iPkg5LyKBfD8gXiZVrGSm3BkACLcB/s320/20150729_074318.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-retrieval surgery</td></tr></tbody></table>Once all the eggs were fertilized, had gone through the 5 day maturation process prior to freezing, we were down to 7 total embryos. They were shipped off for genetic testing (PGS). And then we waited for the results. I went back home to Arizona. We were all on pins and needles. Two weeks, wondering how many grand-babies we'd get from them, and what would they be like? Bill and I couldn't wait! We knew Shi and Jared would be amazing parents. Those babies would be so loved.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIl6ZcqBcno/V-r1ldgCi4I/AAAAAAAAgpE/qCzmmlh21l0_03pjTmIxBSwaCzVVlMi3QCLcB/s1600/grief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIl6ZcqBcno/V-r1ldgCi4I/AAAAAAAAgpE/qCzmmlh21l0_03pjTmIxBSwaCzVVlMi3QCLcB/s200/grief.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>Finally, it was time for the appointment. August 14, 2015. I will never forget the sound of Shiloh's tears, the depth of her pain, the anger inside me that I was so far away - that I couldn't wrap her up and hold her tight.<br /><br />I can't even say that our worst fears were realized because it hadn't <i>occurred</i> to me that <i>this </i>could happen. None of the embryos could survive. The egg quality was too poor.&nbsp;The crushing blow was delivered -&nbsp;Shiloh is unable to carry her own child. It's just too cruel. The incredible journey of parenthood so many achieve so easily, was denied to her. (this news was the reason for<a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2015/08/the-invisible-wall.html" style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="color: #134f5c;">this post</span></a>.&nbsp;I still cannot watch that scene without reliving those moments - if you want to empathize to <i>any</i> degree, watch that clip in the post, <i>you'll get it</i>.)<br /><br />In the following weeks, we learned what the options available were.<br />A - give up.<br />B - someday adopt.<br />C - move forward with an embryo adoption (a fertilized egg from another couple).<br />D - move forward with a donor egg (freshly harvested, to be fertilized by Jared). <br /><br />Who has to make these kinds of decisions at their age?? It's so wrong, so unfair.<br /><br />They were <i>"brave and strong and broken, all at once"</i>. Shiloh &amp; Jared chose to go the <i><a href="http://www.resolve.org/family-building-options/donor-options/using-donor-egg.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">donor egg</span> </a></i>route. This began the search for the perfect donor. Shouldn't be too hard, right? A blonde haired, blue eyed girl with similar features to Shi. That is not asking too much. Evidently, though, it was. We went through six donors over the next several months. It was brutal.<br /><br />At one point, we were all traveling to Colorado for our annual family "Christmas" vacation and got the call that the donor she'd chosen was available but we had to put a deposit down (doesn't that sound ridiculous?) or she could be scooped up by someone else. We had just made the turn into Durango, and Bill and I pulled out of the caravan to run into a bank to wire the funds. Everyone was texting, "Where'd you go? Where are <i>we </i>going??" as they headed out of town. &nbsp;Lol.<br /><br />Eventually everyone managed to arrive at the property and we celebrated that the donor was booked! It was happening! We had a <i>beautiful</i> week, so much fun! So many hopes and dreams! Then it was time to return to the real world. &nbsp;We packed up and hit the road. &nbsp;On the drive home, Shiloh got an email from the agency... the donor was <i>pregnant</i>. When she texted me, I thought, <i>Oh My god. Why the hell would you tell her that???? </i>Say she had a family emergency and had to pull out of the program, say she got sick, say she had to move out of the country... say anything but <i>that</i>!!! It was yet another brutal low following a brilliant high.<br /><br />Despite the crippling disappointment, Shi and Jared stood strong. She continued to search for the right donor, continued to hope,continued to believe.<br /><br />One year after Shiloh's IVF cycles, Donor #7 began hers. The donor goes through the same demanding medical protocol that Shiloh went through &nbsp;- pills, shots, ultrasounds, more shots and then the surgery to "harvest" the eggs. (This is after she is carefully screened - genetic testing, counseling, and so much more. While her identity remains anonymous, every aspect of her health and history are scrutinized).<br /><br />Each month, a "normal" woman will produce one egg out of one follicle, from one ovary. In IVF, the follicles are stimulated chemically to produce multiple mature eggs- in a healthy woman, this is anywhere from 20-50 eggs. <i>At one time.</i> It requires absolute dedication. It is painful. &nbsp;It requires modification of lifestyle to an extreme degree. And this time it was all done by a donor who is voluntarily undergoing the process and giving away the eggs harvested to someone she will never know, to create potential babies she will never see. Though these women are financially compensated, I stand in awe of those who selflessly undergo IVF in the hopes that their gift will allow a total stranger to become a mother.<br /><br />July 6th our donor had her egg retrieval surgery. It was a success. The eggs were fertilized, incubated &amp; documented, then frozen and sent for testing. And we waited. Another two weeks of fear and doubt, of hope and prayer. <i>Please, please don't let this end badly. Please, please give Shiloh her dream.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>JOY!!!!! Babies!!!! &nbsp;Many, many tears were shed. So much excitement, relief, and yes - still some fear. There's a long way yet to go.<br /><br />Shiloh began the drug protocol to prepare for transfer. More needles. More ultrasounds to track the progress of her uterine lining. And finally, at the end of July, Shiloh underwent the transfer procedure. I was blessed to be there. I can now say that I was present when my daughter got knocked up - I even video'd it. ;-) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6657Lfizfis/V-ruRWCYvWI/AAAAAAAAgoY/il_P1nChOycV4lnyJp6q-rD__gG2lrmggCLcB/s1600/IMG_4454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6657Lfizfis/V-ruRWCYvWI/AAAAAAAAgoY/il_P1nChOycV4lnyJp6q-rD__gG2lrmggCLcB/s320/IMG_4454.JPG" width="180" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wut5DFHBXEY/V-ru2rpNFJI/AAAAAAAAgoo/IQgUN1hBcmsXh8Uod0eW3lqgMeW65ppqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wut5DFHBXEY/V-ru2rpNFJI/AAAAAAAAgoo/IQgUN1hBcmsXh8Uod0eW3lqgMeW65ppqgCLcB/s320/IMG_4439.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e-R4Lt_DFw/V-ru2niLgnI/AAAAAAAAgok/LBXOR1dNt5wTkqOVGBSC-veEEgU72MX1ACEw/s1600/IMG_4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e-R4Lt_DFw/V-ru2niLgnI/AAAAAAAAgok/LBXOR1dNt5wTkqOVGBSC-veEEgU72MX1ACEw/s320/IMG_4448.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Since that beautiful day, the road has not smoothed. She's been in the hospital several times with bleeding. Many IVF women experience <a href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/complications/subchorionic-bleeding.aspx"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Subchorionic Hemorrhaging</span></a>, and Shiloh unfortunately is no exception. It's terrifying. Every trip to the restroom brings back the fear of miscarriage. Despite that, each checkup brings greater joy, more confidence. She's currently 12 weeks and absolutely blossoming.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOo6EbDn6iU/V-r5ezJUtTI/AAAAAAAAgpY/qb3qN32w7bw--agSz_9svFG8_qCOf19ZACLcB/s1600/wait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOo6EbDn6iU/V-r5ezJUtTI/AAAAAAAAgpY/qb3qN32w7bw--agSz_9svFG8_qCOf19ZACLcB/s200/wait.jpg" width="151" /></a>I'm amazed at how far technology has come since my time... the ultrasounds are crystal clear, we've already seen little fingers and toes! And Shiloh purchased a heart doppler - it's wonderful! She checks on the little guy every day and that whooshing heartbeat is the best sound! Oh, my heart!<br /><br />Friday we had the 12 week ultrasound. What an incredible milestone! Though the little peanut wouldn't give us a full profile, we got to watch him wiggle and wave. Oh my heart!!<br /><br />Throughout her journey, though a private person, she always planned to "go public". There are so many women seeking answers, understanding, support - I certainly was one - with no resolution, a product of my time. She's been one of them for the last six years, and she wants to help <i>be</i> the resource so many are searching for. I applaud her courage. I'm so proud of her. (Her story is <a href="http://21andinfertile.com/"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">HERE</span></b></a>)<br /><br />Opening up about infertility is not for the faint of heart. People can be cruel, whether they mean to or not. The sheer number of stupid, awful things "friends" and "family" have said to her over the last two &nbsp;years are overwhelming. Here's just a tiny sample, and these are real...<br /><br /><i>"You <b>must</b> have done something wrong to have miscarried."</i><br /><i>"Why don't you have a baby yet? Take the jump!"</i><br /><i>"I know your struggling, but it's just too dark for me. I need space from you."</i><br /><i>"Maybe it's just not meant to be."</i><br /><i>"Oh, just give it time, relax, it'll happen."</i><br /><i>"I'll carry your baby!"</i><br /><i>"You can have my eggs."</i><br /><i>"Just adopt."</i><br /><i>"IVF is wrong. It's unnatural. God won't bless that."</i><br /><i>"You can't have kids? Take mine, they're driving me nuts!"</i><br /><i>"You're pregnant? Finally!! Is this one going to stick?"</i><br /><br />If you've known me for any length of time, you can probably imagine the profanity I spew when I hear things like that. I get so angry, so hurt on her behalf. But she's always so graceful in response. She's a much better person than me. Lol.<br /><br />In spite of people like that, there are others who have stood beside Shi and Jared through their journey. Friends and family who are <i>true</i>. Additionally, I'm so grateful for the wonderful group of women she's connected with online. They've truly become sisters in this journey. They are beautiful, amazing, strong and resilient women.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JN3oT4p-bs/V-9CM9IQbUI/AAAAAAAAgqQ/GfnCcApbtGoWz1-6ixg2ivJRR_k_J-4YACLcB/s1600/hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JN3oT4p-bs/V-9CM9IQbUI/AAAAAAAAgqQ/GfnCcApbtGoWz1-6ixg2ivJRR_k_J-4YACLcB/s200/hero.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>I'll tell you the truth, my daughter is my hero. What I have seen her survive would break most of us. The catastrophic pain she has shouldered... yet still she can smile, dream, love. She honors me, and she humbles me. I'm thrilled that she's home with us for the next months (though sad that Jared isn't- he's deployed out of the country). I get to coddle her, hover to my heart's content, plan, shop, cook and generally baby her. I'm loving it. Though we're still trying to find food she can eat, lol. Evidently <a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2015/07/good-news-wednesday.html"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">spaghetti squash</span></b></a> is still out. ;-) Chicken is also a no-go. Though the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DKEPFV2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00DKEPFV2&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=recip07-20&amp;linkId=71c9492e7c47953297c8da4bbd02e083"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Sea-band</span> </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=recip07-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00DKEPFV2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> have helped a LOT - including helping her sleep through the night (oh the joys of the first trimester). &nbsp;Lol.<br /><br />We're all praying for continued health - for mommy and baby. And praying for the future. I want all her dreams to come true. I'll do everything in my power to make it happen. And when it's outside of my power? I'll pray. I'll dream. I'll support. I'll do whatever it takes. If you, or someone you know is experiencing this also.. I'll pray, dream, and support for you, too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VlHoOA_DhU/V-9DCa5ai6I/AAAAAAAAgqY/NBGcxi-iUhEpIYLb7fx6hrLh3q0_Q4e_wCLcB/s1600/May-All-Your-Dreams-Come-True.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VlHoOA_DhU/V-9DCa5ai6I/AAAAAAAAgqY/NBGcxi-iUhEpIYLb7fx6hrLh3q0_Q4e_wCLcB/s640/May-All-Your-Dreams-Come-True.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-12275556010841083412016-09-27T12:10:00.000-07:002016-09-27T12:10:15.402-07:00Catching up - it's what I do...Once again, here I am apologizing for my lack of posts. A huge part of the reason for this is that there is so much going on in our lives that I cannot share publicly. Yet. Next week I'll be at liberty to open the doors on the last two years. Yep, two years. It's been a long and winding road, with more than a few hairpin turns and cliffhangers.<br /><br />Looking back, I'm stunned at just how much has happened. I've shared with you the <b><a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2015/05/the-twist-in-trail.html" target="_blank">frightening health issues</a></b> we've faced - my mother in law and sister in law with cancer (both now cancer-free and thriving!), my husband with his mass and subsequent surgery and tests (benign!). We've lost loved <b><a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2015/11/catching-up-again.html" target="_blank">family members</a></b> and <b><a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2016/05/in-blink-of-eye.html" target="_blank">friends</a></b>. We lost our sweet&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.recipeforfitness.com/2016/01/beneath-darkened-sky.html" target="_blank"><b>Sadie</b></a>. Dreams have died - while I didn't share publicly - we had found a wonderful property in Colorado that would be our family retreat, and my husband and I's legacy to our children. 80+ acres of glorious hills, trees, streams and ponds. Two residences, including one that could (after a bit of renovating) sleep the entire family including all my future grandkids, lol. &nbsp;Everything about it was perfect. Until it wasn't. Not once but twice, the property fell out of escrow. In the end, it cost us too much, financially and emotionally, and we made the decision to walk away. So hard to let go.<br /><br />Professionally, as you've seen on the blog, I have had to slow way down. The demands of our circumstances have taken precedence over anything else. While I do plan to resurrect the newsletter, and simply do more, that time is still a bit off. Nearly every bit of my energy right now is going into my family. That said, I haven't been completely standing still. &nbsp;Within the next months there is a HUGE addition coming to Recipe For Fitness. A whole new area of service that I'm really excited about.<br /><br />At home, we're settling into our new routines. Our son-in-law is deployed, and Shiloh and Bear have moved back home. Loki is thrilled with his new playmate, but Hunter and Bear are still deciding who is alpha, lol. &nbsp;We love having Shi here, and can't wait for the time when the kids permanently move back to Arizona. We'll have all of our chicks close again. Though, Joey is threatening to move to Alaska, lol. He runs the out of state jobs at hubby's company and recently spent time just outside of Anchorage. He absolutely fell in love with it.<br /><br />The hubby and I are STILL waiting for our camper. I am unclear on why it's taking a month for them to replace a countertop, but I've been banned from handling the matter. Evidently Bill doesn't want to have to bail me out of jail. Pfft. In the meantime, we've booked a couple trips - for my birthday we are returning to our beloved Colorado. Mountain air, hot springs, fire pits and red wine. Hell YES! Really, really looking forward to some couple time. Then in November, we're heading out to Las Vegas to see Santana at the House of Blues. Yay!!!!! Can't wait!!!<br /><br />In the meantime, I'm gearing up for my fall garden. Woohoo! I've still got two thriving eggplant bushes, plus my insane basil. Sunday I winterized the asparagus beds, and started prepping the other beds for the next season. I can't wait to get my hands in the dirt again! It's such amazing therapy.<br /><br />Well, there you go. That's my update.<br />I hope all is well in your world.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rK7tNqcxLxM/V-rDm2qHFzI/AAAAAAAAgoI/o_lDqc5NsXAjggk5d5vml-1l5lsbvIHAQCLcB/s1600/thecoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rK7tNqcxLxM/V-rDm2qHFzI/AAAAAAAAgoI/o_lDqc5NsXAjggk5d5vml-1l5lsbvIHAQCLcB/s320/thecoffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-56108927648378518792016-09-12T16:55:00.000-07:002016-09-12T16:55:59.794-07:00I'm still here - I promise!!!Wow! Can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. Crazy! I'm sorry.<br /><br />The heat has wrought pure havoc on my garden - though the sweet basil and lemon basil continue to grow wild. It's great!! I haven't had to buy basil at the market since spring! Woot!! This week we're finally enjoying temps below the 100's... but it won't last. Next week is supposed to jump up again. I can't wait for it to cool off enough to start planting my fall garden.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iqMlM-RMhc/V9c2UvFuCQI/AAAAAAAAgmY/sVZGp9lxUys_1M1EdvQJN8cB6P8H3F7CACLcB/s1600/IMG_4760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iqMlM-RMhc/V9c2UvFuCQI/AAAAAAAAgmY/sVZGp9lxUys_1M1EdvQJN8cB6P8H3F7CACLcB/s320/IMG_4760.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the kids' last visit - there's actually<br />3 dogs there. Lol! Bear, Hunter and Loki.</td></tr></tbody></table>This week, though, is more of the crazy. Lol. &nbsp;Today and tomorrow are stacked with my continuing education course, attempts at gluten free baking, recipe development research, household rearranging, and packing. This morning our son-in-law shipped out for deployment. We'll miss him so much! Our daughter is finishing up her packing, then Wednesday morning we head to California to load her up and bring her home. While it'll be nice to have her close by, I'm sure she'd rather have her hubby. Lol. It'll be interesting to see how long it takes Bear (her lab) to adjust to living with (not just visiting) our Hunter and Loki.<br /><br />On the personal health front - I've got a fabulous new doctor - a Naturopath, and I'm thrilled. My former doctor just wasn't cutting it with this menopause crap. My first appointment, the new doc sat with me for over an hour - asking questions, explaining treatments. He called me by name throughout. I cried. Finally someone in the medical field was actually listening to me! He ran a ton of bloodwork, and asked if I was ok with making immediate changes to my drug protocol while we wait for the results... <i>Oh, you mean the ones that aren't working???Ummmm, YES!!</i> He pulled me off the drugs the previous doc had me on right then and there. I went home with hope, a shot in the butt, and a new protocol. Within 48 hours the night sweats were gone. Within the next 24 hours the low grade headache I've had for months was gone. Wow!<br /><br />Once my bloodwork came back, he spent another hour with me going over it. Incredible!! We're working together to restore my health using a whole-life approach and I love it! I am so looking forward to feeling good&nbsp;again! It's such a relief to know that the wonkiness in my life isn't just "me" - it's a direct result of my hormones being out of whack. And we're fixing it. I'm so grateful! If you're in the phoenix metro area, and looking for a doctor who actually cares, check out Protea Medical Center in Chandler - Dr. McCarthy. You will NOT be disappointed!<br /><br />Currently, my treatment includes a T-shot once a week (combination of testosterone and estrogen), and a daily progesterone sublingual and a thyroid pill. We're watching my bloodwork and adjusting as we go. Additionally, he suspects a correlation between my joint flare ups and gluten - so I'm on a 30 day gluten-free diet. I've been GF before, but for some reason it's particularly challenging this time. I don't know what my deal is but it's been rough. Weird.<br /><br />So, being me, I'm doing a ton of research and testing. Today I managed to create some banana chocolate chip muffins that are TASTY, high protein and GF. Next time, I'll add another mashed banana, just to make that flavor stronger, but the experiment was a success!! Next up is my first attempt at making artisan GF bread. Hopefully it'll knock this insane craving I've had for french bread. Lol.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>In other news...</i></span>&nbsp;The hubby and I recently made the decision to invest in a camper and ATV. We wanted the ability to take off on whim - with the dogs. &nbsp;We both have a love of camping, though haven't done any in years. The idea of a toyhauler was especially appealing - we could load the ATV right in and hit the road - and be able to get around wherever we go. Plus with the smaller set up, we wouldn't need to upgrade Bill's truck (an expense we don't want right now).<br /><br />We did tons of research (of course, lol), shopped and shopped, and finally made our choice. We carefully examined the specs for each and it was perfect! The Can-Am (street legal) would fit just right into the Forest River toyhauler (little one). So... we did the deal. Picked up the trailer, headed over to load up the Can-Am and <i>BOOOOOOO</i>. No joy. It <b>seriously </b>didn't fit. Not by a little... by a LOT. Turns out our trailer has an upgraded cabinet tower that isn't listed on the spec sheet. Crap. Much scratching of heads, a lot more cussing, and finally the good folks at the dealership said they'll figure it out. So we dropped it all off with them and let their team scratch their heads and swear. Lol. &nbsp;They did indeed figure it out and we are currently waiting on a new countertop - then we'll be ready to go.<br /><br />They sent me a pic of the ATV inside the trailer so we know it really fits now. Lol!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iT76jQRMjVo/V9c6w5RyyLI/AAAAAAAAgmo/rFSHbq2GsPsAWs5HHItYngPA4MaEpWf4gCLcB/s1600/20160902_100816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iT76jQRMjVo/V9c6w5RyyLI/AAAAAAAAgmo/rFSHbq2GsPsAWs5HHItYngPA4MaEpWf4gCLcB/s320/20160902_100816.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Like I said, we got the little trailer, lol. &nbsp;But it's just perfect for us. Bill and I and the pups can head out into the wilderness - hike, play, fish, whatever! It can actually sleep 6, but we've told all the kids it only sleeps 2, haha! You'll keep my secret, right? ;-)<br /><br />We've already scouted out our first campsite - not too far from home, but up in the pine &amp; aspens. Can't wait!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0QAxJgsKDU/V9c-M1fbBkI/AAAAAAAAgm0/94HTQGztMNI3ZFV9L-OTqbhw2S8OSigrwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0QAxJgsKDU/V9c-M1fbBkI/AAAAAAAAgm0/94HTQGztMNI3ZFV9L-OTqbhw2S8OSigrwCLcB/s320/IMG_4600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's our setup! Woohoo!&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Ok - I've got to get back to my studies. What's the subject of my new certification? Well, let's just say I know more about sperm than I ever thought there was to know. LOL!!<br /><br /><b><i>And if you were interested... Here's the muffin recipe....</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3vsW3Ls0Iw/V9c0ZWEDCqI/AAAAAAAAgmU/2x1bWjTIupI5E7BKrEAqs8r9qTFkjxABwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3vsW3Ls0Iw/V9c0ZWEDCqI/AAAAAAAAgmU/2x1bWjTIupI5E7BKrEAqs8r9qTFkjxABwCLcB/s320/IMG_4824.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins</b></span> (GF)<br />makes 6 muffins<br /><br />1 cup Glutino GF Muffin flour<br />2 mashed ripe bananas<br />2 eggs<br />1/2 c greek yogurt<br />1/2 tsp vanilla<br />1/3 c Enjoy Life (df) mini chocolate chips<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees &amp; spray your muffin pan<br />In a medium bowl, mash bananas. Add eggs, yogurt, and vanilla and mix well.<br />Add flour and mix well.<br />Add chocolate chips and mix.<br />Pour into muffin tin and bake 15-18 minutes. They're done when you can insert a sharp knife and pull it out clean.<br />Allow to cool 5-10 minutes.<br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-2778863776909245702016-07-18T15:58:00.001-07:002016-07-18T16:11:05.074-07:00Welcome to the Surface of the Sun...Happy Monday! I don't much care for Mondays, but that doesn't stop them from coming. It's been a pretty typical one, with me making lists, goals, and plans - then getting to round-about-3pm and realizing there 'aint no way I'm getting this all done. Lol. Like I said, typical.<br /><br />Hope ya'll are staying cool. We've been running the AC like crazy. I don't even want to think about the bill. Our area has had way too many triple digit days and there's no end in sight. Haven't even had a good monsoon yet. People like to say, "oh, but it's a dry heat, right?". Sure. Sure it is. Dry heat like opening the oven door when it's set on broil - you know, singe your eyebrows and nose hair kinda heat. But yeah, it's dry. Lol.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkXIQ4O1AeQ/V41UGW41cGI/AAAAAAAAgdY/3RpvIIRZKqYm49Yd5nH-nQuc3rspGQ2EgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkXIQ4O1AeQ/V41UGW41cGI/AAAAAAAAgdY/3RpvIIRZKqYm49Yd5nH-nQuc3rspGQ2EgCLcB/s200/IMG_4338.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Recipes around here lately have been pretty simple - light &amp; fresh meals that can be put together in a snap. It's too darn hot for anything else. Mostly salad based dinners... topped with rotisserie chicken and chopped veggies, or taco meat and black beans... that kind of thing. Tonight's dinner is a twist on the recipe I shared last week - <a href="http://recipeforfitness.com/recipes/main_dish/summer_steak_tart.html" target="_blank"><b>Summer Steak Tart</b></a>. I'm swapping out the steak for rotisserie chicken, exchanging the feta for manchego and pecorino cheeses. I'll share the results tonight.<br /><br />One thing I've had a serious hankering for lately is spaghetti squash. Haven't seen any in my local stores. And the ones I planted have stubbornly refused to bear fruit. Buggers. Speaking of my garden...<br /><br />It's summer. And it's hot. Ugh. Next summer I'm planning to utilize some garden shading - not sure yet what exactly that will entail, but losing crops makes me mad. I never did get fruit out of my Armenian cucumbers - the vines are still growing, but I think they're about done. I got quite a bit out of my regular cucumbers, and my tomatoes were an absolute triumph - still are, in fact. I'm harvesting cherry tomatoes every day. The cabbage and cauliflower went to seed while we were in England, but I left them in the garden because they were pretty, lol.<br /><br />Now I've got pumpkins, cantaloupe, and watermelon all struggling to produce in two of the beds. A third has my second batch of corn that hasn't made it to maturity (seriously irritating). I've cleaned out and amended another bed and replanted using the three-sisters method (corn, green beans, and squash all together). &nbsp;Haven't had a lot of luck with any of those crops, so maybe lumping them together is the trick.<br /><br />I've also seeded a few empty sections with more fun stuff... broccoli, cilantro, dill, more peanuts, more peppers. I'm sunflower crazy, so I've also sowed a bunch more of those, including in the front yard around the big Fir tree. I had tried to do this several weeks ago... dug a little trough all around the tree, laid in fresh soil, put in my seeds. And the all came up! I was so excited and couldn't wait for them to grow and bloom. Then the guy who mows our lawn came. Yep. He ran them all over. I may have shed a few tears. So... I went out and got some little fencing and did it all again. Lol. You can see they're popping up. Woohoo! My pumpkins and watermelon seedlings in the front yard are also doing great. Maybe I'll get something out of those since the ones in the backyard are giving me fits.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WccsmkZ-B8g/V41evkfJHHI/AAAAAAAAgd8/JZQ6KCty40Es6o2mkkHSlc0IH6EgT4Q9gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WccsmkZ-B8g/V41evkfJHHI/AAAAAAAAgd8/JZQ6KCty40Es6o2mkkHSlc0IH6EgT4Q9gCLcB/s320/IMG_4363.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpM5Wt3G92M/V41evoHnoNI/AAAAAAAAgeA/DVUrFs1j1MM5ufBOVCO7zt5YJYF1UR0EQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpM5Wt3G92M/V41evoHnoNI/AAAAAAAAgeA/DVUrFs1j1MM5ufBOVCO7zt5YJYF1UR0EQCLcB/s320/IMG_4365.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />My herbs are going crazy! I've got lemon basil, sweet basil and thai basil that have all thrived beyond my expectations. It's awesome!! My oregano was doing really good until this week, drat. I've got nice strong tarragon, savory, and parsley, though I'm hoping to get more of the first two. Seeds are in, so we'll see. My carrots are poking their shoulders up, and my peppers are all doing well. My favorite part of the day is picking a pepper for my breakfast omelet :-) I've got several different varieties, so it's fun to play with them all. I have discovered I prefer red jalapeno's over green ones. Lol. They're hotter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5VCNmHCdX2M/V41e5FDxprI/AAAAAAAAgeE/vVLgMo7Eaaw2UyJ9K1KU58UDkk8usORjwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5VCNmHCdX2M/V41e5FDxprI/AAAAAAAAgeE/vVLgMo7Eaaw2UyJ9K1KU58UDkk8usORjwCLcB/s320/IMG_4181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The pups are doing great. I've been working with Loki in the pool - he loves to be held while in the water, and he loves to swim, but he still won't get in on his own. Weirdo. Hunter on the other hand...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hFd7VJ0T-o/V41YxAtXNsI/AAAAAAAAgdk/CpRk8RhM9zYVcknQJYpmVQ5RjjxB2vaCQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hFd7VJ0T-o/V41YxAtXNsI/AAAAAAAAgdk/CpRk8RhM9zYVcknQJYpmVQ5RjjxB2vaCQCLcB/s320/IMG_4349.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Lol!! He adores that thing! And so far, hasn't been able to bite through it! Yay! Once Loki decides to venture in on his own, I'll get another floaty for him. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007AADX98/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B007AADX98&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=recip07-20&amp;linkId=fb6b22878cd7211247296d7c6602ad75">This is the one I bought from amazon and it's really great.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=recip07-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B007AADX98" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />Life has been as crazy as usual for our family. We've got a lot of things going on. Some days I manage to keep all the balls I'm juggling in the air. Some days not so much, lol. But hopefully this week brings us good news on a couple different fronts. Cross your fingers for us ;-) <br /><br />Signing off - me and the guy "helping" me write this post. Lol.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMlDd-skB_0/V41cc1uCdiI/AAAAAAAAgdw/IVTLgZR3a4oiF_dSaBdJpAYu_B4piys1gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMlDd-skB_0/V41cc1uCdiI/AAAAAAAAgdw/IVTLgZR3a4oiF_dSaBdJpAYu_B4piys1gCLcB/s320/IMG_4361.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Yes... he's laying on the keyboard. What a goober.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-12449342295666899452016-06-30T15:06:00.000-07:002016-06-30T15:06:28.014-07:00New Recipe!!! Spectacular Summer Steak TartOMG - you guys... this tart is unbelievable! I've been playing around with recipes that let me use my garden veggies and herbs... recipes that are quick and easy... recipes that help alleviate the ridiculous heat (been averaging 111 all week). A month or more into summer, we're a wee bit tired of salads (though I've got plans and ideas to liven those up, too!), so I started experimenting with tarts.<br /><br />Now, I don't know about you, but when I think of tarts, I visualize those gorgeous little baked delicacies piled high with seasonal fruit. That, however, is <b><i>not </i></b>what this is. Lol. &nbsp;Today's recipe is a <i>savory </i>tart. And let me tell you... it's phenomenal! The hubby went back for more. Twice. SOOOO GOOD!!!! Several times he told me just that. And he wasn't lying. I'm considering making it again for dinner tonight. Because... I need better photos. Good excuse, right? ;-)<br /><br />You can play around with the recipe. Use different veggies, cheeses, herbs, proteins... Make it your own! Another important note... I chose to use full fat yogurt &amp; cheeses - you can significantly cut the calories and fat by using fat free yogurt and reduced fat cheese (or reduce the amount of cheese). Your choice. Have fun with it!<br /><br /><div itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe"><h1 itemprop="name">Summer Steak Tart</h1></div><div itemprop="description"><i>"This is a fabulous way to use those fresh summer veggies! With a greek yogurt base on puff pastry, it's layers and layers of veggies, herbs, and proteins! Easy to prepare ahead of time, too! "</i> <br /></div><img alt="Healthy Summer Veggie and Steak Tart Recipe" src="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/recipes/main_dish/summer_tart/summer_tart.jpg" height="538" itemprop="image" width="600" /><br /><span itemprop="recipeYield">Serves 6</span><br /><div>Prep Time: <time content="PT10M" itemprop="prepTime">10 Min</time><br />Cook Time: <time content="PT40M" itemprop="cookTime">40 Min</time><br /><time itemprop="cookTime"></time><br /> </div><div><h3> <span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></h3><ul><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1 sheet puff pastry</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1/3 cup plain greek yogurt, full fat*</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">2 Tbsp milk</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">3 Tbsp parmesan, fresh grated</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 tsp sea salt</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 tsp black pepper, ground (more to taste)</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1 very small eggplant, thinly sliced</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1 small red pepper, thinly sliced</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">8 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or sliced</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">3 oz grilled, lean steak (I used leftovers from a previous meal)</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1 tsp fresh thyme*</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1 tsp fresh oregano*</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 tsp fresh basil*</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">6 large eggs, raw</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients"><span style="font-size: small;">3 Tbsp crumbled feta</span></li></ul></div><div itemprop="recipeInstructions"><h3> &nbsp;</h3><h3> <span style="font-size: small;">Directions</span></h3><ol><li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees</li><li>Thaw 1 sheet of puff pastry and place on parchment or silpat lined baking sheet. Roll it out smooth.</li><li>Gently turn up and roll the edges into a small crust.</li><li>Finely chop the herbs, then divide in half.</li><li>Thinly slice, then dice the cooked steak. Set aside.</li><li>Thinly slice the eggplant and red pepper. Halve or slice the tomatoes.</li><li>In a small bowl, mix together greek yogurt, milk, parmesan and a sprinkle of sea salt &amp; pepper to taste.</li><li>Pour mixture into the center of the pastry and spread evenly.</li><li>Layer veggies over the yogurt mixture.</li><li>Sprinkle half the herbs over the tart.</li><li>Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until veggies are softened and pastry crust is mostly cooked. Remove from oven.</li><li>Evenly spread the steak over the tart.</li><li>Sprinkle 3 Tbsp crumbled feta over the top.</li><li>With a spoon, create six wells evenly over the tort. Make them deep and wide enough to contain an egg.</li><li>Crack an egg carefully into each well.</li><li>Sprinkle the remaining herbs.</li><li>Add a touch more sea salt and cracked pepper over the top.</li><li>Return to oven and bake for about 20 minutes - until pastry is no longer raw and eggs reach desired doneness. I prefer soft set - whites fully cooked, yolks soft).</li><li>Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes.</li><li>Slice into 6 pieces.</li><li>Serve.</li></ol></div><br /><div itemprop="nutrition"><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation"> </span><br /><h3><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation"> <span style="color: #1d859b;">Nutritional Information </span> </span></h3><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation"> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: black;"> <strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Amount Per Slice</span></strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp; Calories: </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">290</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: black;"> | Total Protein: </span></span><span itemprop="proteinContent"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">15 g</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: black;"> | Total Carbohydrate: </span></span><span itemprop="carbohydrateContent"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">22 g</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: black;"> | Total Fat: </span></span><span itemprop="fatContent"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">17 g</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: black;"> | Total Fiber: </span></span><span itemprop="fiberContent"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3 g</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: black;"> | Total Sodium: </span></span><span itemprop="sodiumContent"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">410 mg</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp; </span></span></span><br /> </span> </div><br /><br />NOTES: <br /><span style="font-weight: 400;">*To prepare ahead, after the first baking, allow tart to cool, then cover and refrigerate until ready to finish. When ready, preheat oven, add the steak, feta, eggs, and herbs. Continue as per the recipe. </span><br />***Herbs - I used fresh herbs from my garden (the veggies, too!), but you can certainly use dried if that's what is available.<br /><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="Clean Eating Summer Veggie Steak Tart" border="0" src="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/recipes/main_dish/summer_tart/summer_tart2.jpg" height="538" width="600" /><br />&nbsp;</span><br />&nbsp;View this and more recipes at <a href="http://www.recipeforfitness.com/"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">www.RecipeForFitness.com</span></b></a><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-69285731565329367252016-06-20T10:27:00.000-07:002016-06-20T10:27:14.311-07:00The Fires of Hades Have ArrivedSeriously, ya'll. It's freaking HOT. The hubs and I were running errands yesterday and snapped this...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRWus5tiR7E/V2gYq9mC_qI/AAAAAAAAgZw/PvWQDFjy93gk2PSOmrwONoRWtqa9TutpwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRWus5tiR7E/V2gYq9mC_qI/AAAAAAAAgZw/PvWQDFjy93gk2PSOmrwONoRWtqa9TutpwCLcB/s320/IMG_4184.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Yep. You read that right... 120 degrees. &nbsp;And, it actually went up from there. We topped out yesterday at 122. Way too darn hot. I made the mistake of trying to do some damage control in the garden during the afternoon - just a bit of water at the roots of my wilting plants... and wow. That heat. &nbsp;Almost took me down. While we Arizonians joke about our summers, the dangers of the heat just aren't funny. We actually had 3 hikers and 1 mountain biker die yesterday in this heat. And they weren't unprepared or unfit - it's scary.<br /><br />Back to the garden... it's still doing great! My basil has become a forest, I'm still harvesting tomatoes each day. I've got cucumbers and tomatoes, beets and turnips, several kinds of peppers. My eggplant is nearing harvest (they're so pretty!). The watermelon and pumpkins are doing great - I even planted more out in the front yard - thought it'd be a cool thing when they're ready to harvest - the kids in the neighborhood can pick their own pumpkins!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4S2iDL3D3O0/V2gbFJE0FiI/AAAAAAAAgZ8/Fw7sB3waJk4N9tprQjzVwskL_ea4vs_ggCLcB/s1600/IMG_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4S2iDL3D3O0/V2gbFJE0FiI/AAAAAAAAgZ8/Fw7sB3waJk4N9tprQjzVwskL_ea4vs_ggCLcB/s320/IMG_4130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVGxtgBJRbI/V2gbFOzs29I/AAAAAAAAgaE/w1sVBKIZZXUBekXU56tIXEJ4nj3Osw0wACLcB/s1600/IMG_4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVGxtgBJRbI/V2gbFOzs29I/AAAAAAAAgaE/w1sVBKIZZXUBekXU56tIXEJ4nj3Osw0wACLcB/s320/IMG_4180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijxt7PAaw1Q/V2gbFHMMl4I/AAAAAAAAgaA/EKXK5Yf7tuATbaGbP3gHy2zGA3VA-t4fACLcB/s1600/IMG_4181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ijxt7PAaw1Q/V2gbFHMMl4I/AAAAAAAAgaA/EKXK5Yf7tuATbaGbP3gHy2zGA3VA-t4fACLcB/s320/IMG_4181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYr02oQts-c/V2gbkckC40I/AAAAAAAAgaM/mHreFM73eoEJNNP2zXRK0pBOd0CWop1AgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYr02oQts-c/V2gbkckC40I/AAAAAAAAgaM/mHreFM73eoEJNNP2zXRK0pBOd0CWop1AgCLcB/s320/IMG_4098.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eggplant!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhL1RnT0e4E/V2gbkb7SQKI/AAAAAAAAgaU/uqNEz1f791Ui3XuJ2tdkcIjPkhjudT4TwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhL1RnT0e4E/V2gbkb7SQKI/AAAAAAAAgaU/uqNEz1f791Ui3XuJ2tdkcIjPkhjudT4TwCLcB/s320/IMG_4100.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaC-L8Z4c_g/V2gbkUKmmwI/AAAAAAAAgaQ/AFrGe6_vdFEa78TE9GFZpfD92rY34BZ2ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaC-L8Z4c_g/V2gbkUKmmwI/AAAAAAAAgaQ/AFrGe6_vdFEa78TE9GFZpfD92rY34BZ2ACLcB/s320/IMG_4102.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />The puppies are doing great! Growing like crazy. They bring us so much joy! Hunter is a big water baby - he loves to jump in and just swim in circles around the pool. He also has a thing for the float - he can chill in that for long periods of time. It's so darn cute. Loki still hasn't decided to chance the pool, though he's getting more and more curious as he watches his brother splash and play. Hopefully we'll get him in soon.<br /><br />Food around here has been dictated by the weather, lol. Lots of light &amp; crisp meals - chicken salad w/veggies, stir-fry, that sort of thing. Quick and easy, light and flavorful. I've also been testing out another delivery service - <a href="https://www.freshly.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Freshly</span></b></a>. My subscription is 12 meals a week (3 dinners for three people, and 3 breakfasts). The convenience cannot be beat - fully cooked meals, delivered in a refrigerated box, and you microwave them when you need them... two minutes from fridge to table. Drawback is that the entree's don't really have a lot of flavor. That said, the breakfasts are incredible!!!! Omelettes, quiche, frittata... so yummy! I've got one more week of subscription (should arrive today), then it's back to my normal weekly food prep. Lol. The hubby is ready to have my food full time again. ;-)<br /><br />Workouts have been going well. Had to switch over to Pilates for my last session since I so gracefully sliced open my heel (ugh). &nbsp;Finally went and had the doctor look at it and the bugger was infected. A very painful exam and more painful tetanus shot later, it's finally on the mend. Today I will be attempting to wear gym shoes for the first time in a week. Wish me luck! Lol.<br /><br />This summer, along with the insane heat, we've got lots of activity and travel. Already we have traveled up to California for my nephew's graduation party, to visit the kids in San Diego, and next month we've got a wedding, followed by another in September, with a couple trips to San Diego in between. In addition, we're shaking things up at home - one kiddo moving out on her own in July, another moving back in September. Lol. Plus lots of work changes for the hubby. It's super stressful for him, but I'm so proud of where he is, what he's built, and the opportunities that are opening for him.<br /><br />So... there's my update. Hope ya'll are staying cool!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebdEWkmmK0I/V2glhDKsNRI/AAAAAAAAgaw/ZAZVc7n1MXkhbgODs2Pp6nGPdmD6ZOoxwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebdEWkmmK0I/V2glhDKsNRI/AAAAAAAAgaw/ZAZVc7n1MXkhbgODs2Pp6nGPdmD6ZOoxwCLcB/s640/IMG_4163.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-81428412994713799802016-06-08T10:37:00.000-07:002016-06-08T10:37:08.858-07:00Trapped! Eek!<span style="font-size: large;">Trapped</span>, like a mouse in a trap, like a rat in a maze, like a fly on a fly-strip....<br /><br />The morning began normally enough... 6:00 am, feed the pups (they adore their morning greek yogurt and raw egg that gets added to their bowls) then head out to the garden. Prune the tomatoes, pinch off the flowers on the basil, thai basil and parsley, harvest some gorgeous zucchini, cucumbers, turnips, beets and tomatoes. Check out the growth on my beautiful sunflowers, weed a bit... the usual early morning beat-the-heat stuff.<br /><br />After that it was puppy duty... keep an eye on Hunter as he swims (dude LOVES the pool!). Throw the ball for Loki (who doesn't yet share his brother's love of water). Replant the citronella that Loki dug up while I was playing with Hunter. Dry off Hunter, who likes this process as much as he likes to swim. Then it's back inside to heat up breakfast.<br /><br />Two cups of coffee and a full tummy later, the pups need to go outside - out we go. Eyes on Hunter, throwing for Loki, sipping iced coffee. Time to go back in... towel battle, belly rubs, open the slider... and <b><i>whammo</i></b>!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7ec9mpbGes/V1hL0-sZOOI/AAAAAAAAgYI/ny82znseS5ARZdZGV1Y0Yz8Bj3rb5jp0gCLcB/s1600/flies_evil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7ec9mpbGes/V1hL0-sZOOI/AAAAAAAAgYI/ny82znseS5ARZdZGV1Y0Yz8Bj3rb5jp0gCLcB/s200/flies_evil.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>See, summer has already begun here. Record temps have already been reached (118 F last weekend!), and the pests have come with the heat. The estate behind us (there's a big estate that our street of the subdivision backs to) has cows. Cows. As in moo all day long. So, along with livestock, every summer we get a boost in certain other populations - mosquitoes, bats (which are fine since they eat nasty bugs), and flies.<br /><br />We're talking apocalyptic clouds of flies.<br /><br />Serious end of the world swarms of flies.<br /><br />Flies that end up inside my house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0vryqCGe0A/V1hLkQGEFSI/AAAAAAAAgX4/bqvjhWPGc58D0edyU_tH4eGKc0IgapEsACLcB/s1600/flytrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0vryqCGe0A/V1hLkQGEFSI/AAAAAAAAgX4/bqvjhWPGc58D0edyU_tH4eGKc0IgapEsACLcB/s200/flytrap.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>This inevitable yearly pestilence is what caused my morning debacle. Each year we try everything we can to deal with the nasty buzzing black be-winged bodies. We've done sprays (short lived - should have read the ingredients - hello, asthma), we've tried all natural fly traps (Hunter loves them and ends up smelling like dead fish, which leads to Loki and I smelling like dead fish, and seriously yucky showers). We even have one of those electrified fly swatters (Bill has way too much fun with this one, and NO, that is NOT a fly on my knee, damnit!!) &nbsp;So... this year I thought, screw aesthetics - let's hang those ugly fly strips everywhere. Every.Where. And I did.<br /><br />I hung fly strips in windows, corridors, and my personal coup d'e-tat, over the back sliding door where the buggers are coming in from. Now, I used a little sense here - I didn't hang it right in the doorway, I hung it just to the right of it. Where no one would accidentally walk into it. Yep, that's what I did.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kaHTjNczto/V1hLqYejtPI/AAAAAAAAgYA/LGgELXmwm2c_n2EoXdD5H1j6PE3F9owcQCLcB/s1600/fly-tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kaHTjNczto/V1hLqYejtPI/AAAAAAAAgYA/LGgELXmwm2c_n2EoXdD5H1j6PE3F9owcQCLcB/s320/fly-tape.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>So, following the towel battle, belly rubs, and door opening to herd everyone back inside, the boys got a little frisky, rolled around a bit, then charged me. Me. Who was only standing in the door, innocent of any crime. Boom! 90 lbs of combined pups hits me and knocks me sideways while they continue their rough-housing in puppy-glee. I snicker, turn to slide the door closed and <b><i>Whoop</i></b>! Pulled up short. WTH? I can't move! Why can't I move?? I reach back and...<br /><br /><b><i>EWWWW!!!!! </i></b>That long strip of nasty fly stuff is now STUCK IN MY HAIR!! Yuck!!!!!<br /><br />Being well and truly trapped in the fly trap, I very calmly call for my daughter (read: SCREAM).<br /><br /><i>What? </i>she calls back to me from her bedroom.<br /><i>Help, Help, HELP!!!!</i> I gently and zen-ly reply.<br /><i>Mom, What????</i> she responds, very irritated, still from her bedroom.<br /><b><i>HELP, HELP, HELP!!!!</i></b><br />She's now moving from the bedroom, to the hallway, to the kitchen...<br /><i>Oh My God.</i> She stops dead.<br />Then she laughs.<br /><b><i>Get over here and get me out of this!!!!!</i></b><br /><br />After entirely way too much mirth, Bethany managed to disconnect me from the trap, but my hair is now ewww-gross sticky. &nbsp;<i>Ah, c'mon.</i> Is it too late to go back to bed?<br /><br />And now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I have a date with a shampoo bottle. And maybe a pair of scissors. <i>EWWWWWWW!</i><br /><br />Happy Wednesday.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOFSYtz7ltU/V1hUJwC0HFI/AAAAAAAAgYc/JeCiXsyTyRwQsV5r2_OfmBi8FK2ElwuvACLcB/s1600/shampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOFSYtz7ltU/V1hUJwC0HFI/AAAAAAAAgYc/JeCiXsyTyRwQsV5r2_OfmBi8FK2ElwuvACLcB/s320/shampoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-78784371017526774492016-05-31T12:01:00.000-07:002016-05-31T12:01:20.298-07:00Memories, Memorials, and Puppy MadnessI hope your Memorial Day weekend was wonderful! Ours certainly was. We got to spend time with the kids, and the pups - at one point we had six running around. It was chaotic and fabulous! I loved every moment!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwxE6rNj1fY/V03ZT_VYO0I/AAAAAAAAgWc/FnTZHpKwps4eYQ50lRLngF4xLwRyA_GcQCLcB/s1600/12558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwxE6rNj1fY/V03ZT_VYO0I/AAAAAAAAgWc/FnTZHpKwps4eYQ50lRLngF4xLwRyA_GcQCLcB/s320/12558.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loki, Hunter and Bear - looking innocent</td></tr></tbody></table>There were lots of fun memories shared of our recently lost loved one, with much laughter and some tears, We expressed appreciation for those in service to our country, including family &amp; friends - and respect &amp; gratitude to the ones who gave all. We looked at vacation photos, including so many war memorials we saw throughout out trip. There is a beautiful sadness and elegance to the way heroes are honored.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eO-c0-MM8Xs/V03W4wXYlcI/AAAAAAAAgWQ/ePwQgkSB8Y4uIhL8D7n3zb13fdCYivjfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eO-c0-MM8Xs/V03W4wXYlcI/AAAAAAAAgWQ/ePwQgkSB8Y4uIhL8D7n3zb13fdCYivjfQCLcB/s320/IMG_2520.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />We had lots of food, fun, and sun. Even ending the weekend with an epic water volleyball game. I still say it was a draw - no matter what the guys say. Lol. It's always so good to have my family gathered close. We were missing a few, Ariel and Bethany were both away, which was a bummer. Still, it was a full and phenomenal weekend.<br /><br />This week has more fun and family - We'll be driving up to Sacramento for my nephew's graduation party. How the heck did he get old enough to graduate from High School??? Oh dear! We're heading to San Diego first, then driving the rest of the way with Shi and Jared. It's going to be awesome!<br /><br />In garden news, my sunflowers are blooming, I've got 3 pumpkins growing fast, with more on the way. Zucchini is still flowering like crazy, but so far it's only male flowers - hopefully I'll be seeing the female ones soon and my peanuts are flowering, too! I love looking out from the patio and seeing so much growth and productivity. For someone with such a notorious brown thumb, this is truly a miracle. Lol. Plus, my little gnome village is so fun!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhqkAgIuUwg/V03dUndr55I/AAAAAAAAgWw/8XlWfp5ErLQGJM72xfyHeQZ31BpmV5jXwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhqkAgIuUwg/V03dUndr55I/AAAAAAAAgWw/8XlWfp5ErLQGJM72xfyHeQZ31BpmV5jXwCLcB/s320/IMG_4038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46q_k41dZms/V03dYV87HBI/AAAAAAAAgW0/UDy8kf23rEA3AVIj0DtdMO_3PvVQsS9DwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46q_k41dZms/V03dYV87HBI/AAAAAAAAgW0/UDy8kf23rEA3AVIj0DtdMO_3PvVQsS9DwCLcB/s320/IMG_4039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zb_hasO9vk/V03dbLmvHwI/AAAAAAAAgW4/GcBXCKG3KFUo0R1skup7b8cm3mGzA50FgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zb_hasO9vk/V03dbLmvHwI/AAAAAAAAgW4/GcBXCKG3KFUo0R1skup7b8cm3mGzA50FgCLcB/s320/IMG_4003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Today I'll be adding to the garden, doing more work swapping out my spring stuff (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli) for the summer stuff (green beans, more sunflowers, and maybe a few other beans), more mulching, a bit of weeding. I'm looking forward to it. But first... more work, errands, and I've got a much needed appointment with Kayla ;-) I'm still sore from the last one, lol.<br /><br />Though I know today is no longer Memorial Day, I'll end this post with my most profuse gratitude for those who's sacrifice has provided the freedom I experience every day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Or8430-G8qM/V03a70d5zQI/AAAAAAAAgWo/DkbYn3RNNDg8dDlCUOl3anmge0r4t0hpQCKgB/s1600/memorial-day-thank-you2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Or8430-G8qM/V03a70d5zQI/AAAAAAAAgWo/DkbYn3RNNDg8dDlCUOl3anmge0r4t0hpQCKgB/s1600/memorial-day-thank-you2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-45140826765087497412016-05-26T11:00:00.000-07:002016-05-26T11:02:13.537-07:00In The Blink of an EyeLife is fragile.<br /><br />I type that, then am stumped. Stare at my blank screen with a blank mind. Heart hurting and chest squeezed. I just don't know what to say. Or how to say it. Or who to say it to. Or who to be angry at. Because I really, really want someone to be angry at. We've lost a luminous light. A beautiful young man who ran tame in my home for years. An honorary big brother and best friend to my son, a fearless, fiercely <i>alive </i>force who wrung out every last drop of joy in living. Gone. Far too soon.<br /><br />And I don't know who to blame. Surely there's someone at fault. There's got to be <i>somewhere </i>to direct all this... whatever <i>this </i>is that I'm feeling. Sad, angry, unbelieving, horror, fear - oh so much fear. I want to gather my family and lock them up tight, hold them so closely that nothing can ever happen to them. I want to keep them safe from the whims of fate - but how?? Of course, I can't. There's no way to protect them from life. From death.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SyBeFdbDsw/V0c2KBsw_SI/AAAAAAAAgVk/9vYLmKOtYTE-Yldy_DDxyxFC6_DSvdxrACLcB/s1600/grief_fear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SyBeFdbDsw/V0c2KBsw_SI/AAAAAAAAgVk/9vYLmKOtYTE-Yldy_DDxyxFC6_DSvdxrACLcB/s200/grief_fear.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As deeply as I grieve, my family grieves, my son grieves... I cannot even try to imagine what his mother is feeling. Just the <i>thought </i>of her pain, crushes. And I have such angst, such panic, at the possibility that I may ever experience what she's going through. It's paralyzing, that fear. Absolutely petrifying.<br /><br />We've experienced so damn much grief in the last few years. Deaths of dreams, of hopes and possibilities, and now the loss of such a special life. It just jangles in my mind like a discordant note in a song.<br /><br />All I can do is keep moving forward. And if sometimes, moving forward means simply not sliding back, that's ok. I wish I could ease my loved ones pain. I wish I could soothe my fellow mother's heart. What I can, and will do is continue to be here. To try not to hold too tightly. To love unconditionally, and keep pushing fear back. To go on finding joy, even within grief.<br /><br />And I'll remember the laughter. So many years of memories that are wrapped in the sound of the boys laughing. I'll treasure that. And I'll continue to believe in happy endings. For all of us.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezll1SzGfG4/V0c25199T7I/AAAAAAAAgVs/9WP42tYWJjYYGY5NlXeFNHq2VQ7q2D7AQCLcB/s1600/grief2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezll1SzGfG4/V0c25199T7I/AAAAAAAAgVs/9WP42tYWJjYYGY5NlXeFNHq2VQ7q2D7AQCLcB/s1600/grief2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5866496890445830013.post-20083491649290798552016-05-23T13:36:00.000-07:002016-05-23T16:57:17.235-07:00A Few Travel Tips (Lessons Learned)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK_3hdY1ClI/V0Nx6DxbPeI/AAAAAAAAgUE/DaYGD2iL6jcXFbE59qUKMj0QODvVeDLbgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK_3hdY1ClI/V0Nx6DxbPeI/AAAAAAAAgUE/DaYGD2iL6jcXFbE59qUKMj0QODvVeDLbgCLcB/s200/IMG_2941.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>I can't believe we've been back a week already! I thought I'd share a few things we learned during our travels - some tips and packing selection. Hopefully they'll be helpful to any of you who are planning some traveling. Understand that our travel was limited to England - specifically, London, Bath, Stafford, and a few outlying areas.<br /><br />As you know, we traveled carry-on only - this was the most freeing experience! I can't imagine trying to lug suitcases through the Underground, over cobbled streets, up and down stairs (lots and lots of stairs), on and off trains. The trick to carry-on only is a carefully planned capsule wardrobe. I packed and repacked, and repacked again (lol) until I had it as finely tuned as I could. I also worked with a color scheme - white/black/grey. Everything could work with everything else. Every item was interchangeable (you'll see photos below).<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Luggage...</i></span><br />Bill used the <a href="http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/collections/travel-backpacks/products/tortuga-travel-backpack" target="_blank">Tortuga Pack</a>, while I had the <a href="http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/products/tortuga-air-carry-on-backpack" target="_blank">Tortuga Air</a>. Mine was smaller, for sure, but my torso is just too short to handle the full size. I worried that I wouldn't have enough room, but once you unzip all the expansions, there's plenty of space. Additionally, utilizing packing cubes further increased space. I roll pack, meaning that I roll up individual pieces of clothing tightly to compress and save space. I've seen a lot of other methods, but mine works for me - it's efficient, I don't have to unpack everything to get to one item, and it prevents wrinkles (there's a picture below).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8F5Au5FSEY/V0NnM3Cy-FI/AAAAAAAAgS4/g-xg7OYUAG0gl6BVF4E3-SdskIufxiidwCLcB/s1600/tortuga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8F5Au5FSEY/V0NnM3Cy-FI/AAAAAAAAgS4/g-xg7OYUAG0gl6BVF4E3-SdskIufxiidwCLcB/s200/tortuga.jpg" width="155" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDPfidSWUbI/V0NnM3MAhcI/AAAAAAAAgS8/2oOGviYFAuEeIDzrDQE1EUz-LoW-MkJnQCLcB/s1600/tortuga_cubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDPfidSWUbI/V0NnM3MAhcI/AAAAAAAAgS8/2oOGviYFAuEeIDzrDQE1EUz-LoW-MkJnQCLcB/s200/tortuga_cubes.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbXoDKL3khk/V0NnM5ynPkI/AAAAAAAAgS0/oj_mpRLV01UftQCdH3BCpBNll1H7BDRHQCLcB/s1600/tortugaAir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbXoDKL3khk/V0NnM5ynPkI/AAAAAAAAgS0/oj_mpRLV01UftQCdH3BCpBNll1H7BDRHQCLcB/s200/tortugaAir.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Clothing...</i></span><br /><i><b>Shoes </b></i>- <b>1 pair.</b><br />I went back and forth on this, prior to departure, and for the sake of space, only took 1 pair. They're easy to get on and off for airport security, they're extremely comfortable for extended walking, and being flat black, they go with everything. <a href="https://www.skechers.com/en-us/style/14208/skechers-go-step-distinguished/bbk" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">These are what I took</span></b></a>. They handled the miles with ease, and dried super fast when they got wet (walking in the rain and tromping through wet churchyards).<br /><br /><i><b>Pants </b></i>- <b>2 pair jeans/leggings.</b><br />One pair black, one pair dark blue. These are amazing jeans/leggings. Amazing! Super soft, stretchy, and perfect for mix/match outfits. <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/celebrity-pink-juniors-super-soft-skinny-jeans-black-wash?ID=2217257&amp;CategoryID=28754#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D31%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D9%26kws%3Dcelebrity%20pink%20jeans" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">These are the black ones</span></b></a>. &nbsp;And <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/celebrity-pink-juniors-super-soft-skinny-jeans?ID=2225471&amp;CategoryID=28754#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D8%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D1%26kws%3Dcelebrity%20pink%20jeans%20super%20soft" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">these are the blue ones</span></b></a>. Don't let the fact that they're juniors stop you from checking them out - truly, they're incredible (and really inexpensive at $25/pair!)!<br /><br /><i><b>Tops </b></i>- &nbsp;<b>5 tops.</b> <br />2 black sleeveless v-neck, 1 white sleeveless v-neck, 1 black/white stripped tee, 1 black tanktop. <br /><br /><i><b>Sweaters </b></i>- <b>3.</b><br />1 knit hoodie sweater. 1 black/grey sweatshirt style top that could be casual or nice. 1 grey dressy sweater.<br /><br /><i><b>Jackets </b></i>- <b>2.</b>&nbsp;<br />1 <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/calvin-klein-wool-cashmere-blend-peacoat-with-free-infinity-scarf?ID=2341375&amp;CategoryID=269&amp;LinkType=&amp;selectedSize=&amp;swatchColor=Black#fn=COAT_STYLE%3DPeacoat%26GENDER%3DFemale%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D14%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D7%26kws%3Dcalvin%20klein%20jacket" target="_blank">heavy coat</a>, 1 blazer (<a href="http://www.christytylerphotographyblog.com/2014/10/stitch-fix-review-month-4.html" target="_blank">here's the blazer</a>). I had asked StitchFix specifically for a blazer that was travel friendly, but could double as dress up and daily casual - this one fits the bill! Soft &amp; comfy, stretchy, and crazy versatile! This is my new favorite item!<br /><br /><i><b>Pajamas </b></i>- <b>1 pair&nbsp;</b><br />(I probably could have done without, but I have a fear of middle of the night hotel evacuations and being caught in my birthday suit doesn't work for me, lol).<br /><br /><i><b>Accessories </b></i>- 1 belt, 1 purse, 2 scarves (1 thick, 1 pashmina) and 1 hat .<br />I didn't pack any jewelry or other accessories - simply wore my everyday earrings, necklace, rings, and fitbit.<br /><br /><i><b>Underthings </b></i>- 12 pairs underwear, 3 bras (2 support bralettes, 1 regular), 3 pairs <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Crew-Womens-Liner-Socks/dp/B0178G0B8E/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1464029639&amp;sr=8-16&amp;keywords=bamboo+socks" target="_blank">liner-socks</a>&nbsp;and one pair cozy socks to wear on the plane.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zxj56F0XxA/V0Nv2EdVWOI/AAAAAAAAgT0/O0gucK0yH-ogFGAqeG1O_NEpwpbkKDgbwCLcB/s1600/tarte.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zxj56F0XxA/V0Nv2EdVWOI/AAAAAAAAgT0/O0gucK0yH-ogFGAqeG1O_NEpwpbkKDgbwCLcB/s1600/tarte.JPG" /></a></div><i><b>Makeup </b></i>- Before leaving, I'd invested in a new line of makeup from my favorite brand, Tarte. The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=rainforest%20of%20the%20sea&amp;mode=all" target="_blank">Rainforest of the Sea line</a>&nbsp;is incredible! It was light, breathable, had built in sunscreen, and (no kidding) easily lasted 18 hours without smudging or smearing. Absolutely amazing! Best Makeup Ever. And the travel kit was perfect for my daily skin-care.<br /><br /><i><b>Extra Bag/daypack</b></i> - for souvenirs. <a href="https://www.rei.com/product/867165/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-daypack" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">These </span></b></a>came in so handy! So glad we took them. They come rolled up - about 3 inches long. You unpack them and they become Santa's sack! We were able to cram all our shopping into them for the return trip and they counted as our 2nd carry-on. Perfect size! Worth every penny. Once back home and emptied, they roll back up into themselves and become 3 inches long again.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATAJUqkfmfo/V0NsTSqvdlI/AAAAAAAAgTQ/jU2lnqJfky40ZWAaxQjmew1mPC8DVixxwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATAJUqkfmfo/V0NsTSqvdlI/AAAAAAAAgTQ/jU2lnqJfky40ZWAaxQjmew1mPC8DVixxwCLcB/s200/IMG_3934.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Things I left behind...</i></span><br /><i><b>Dresses/Skirts</b></i> - I had planned to take a dress and a maxi skirt, but the more I (over)thought, I realized that I rarely wear dresses or skirts, so why would I wear one on vacation. So... I skipped them. This allowed me to also eliminate the pair of wedge sandals that went with them. As our trip progressed, I definitely made the right decision there - pants/tops were the way to go. Easy, simple, comfy.<br /><br /><i><b>Boots</b></i>... I'd planned to take a pair of walking boots but for space, left them at home. Glad I did - absolutely no need for them on this trip. That said, when we go to Ireland, a pair of wellies are on must-pack list.<br /><br /><br />Here's the contents of my capsule wardrobe. This wardrobe took me through 10 days.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsuvQue6gUg/V0OIFHiJFAI/AAAAAAAAgUc/Z8Bd56fp1lsgQlD7Mzb6F9zHT9TQXSWegCLcB/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsuvQue6gUg/V0OIFHiJFAI/AAAAAAAAgUc/Z8Bd56fp1lsgQlD7Mzb6F9zHT9TQXSWegCLcB/s640/IMG_3938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here you can see just how much space &nbsp;you save by rolling. The clothes to the side with the shoes are what I wore on the plane.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTOCBObgLL4/V0OKBXrw8iI/AAAAAAAAgUo/IuXguecDDn8fujPK34nOMx__lqtWEyCMACLcB/s1600/IMG_3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTOCBObgLL4/V0OKBXrw8iI/AAAAAAAAgUo/IuXguecDDn8fujPK34nOMx__lqtWEyCMACLcB/s320/IMG_3940.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Doesn't look like so much now, right?</div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Transportation</span><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><b style="font-style: italic;">From the Airport - </b>You have several choices... bus, taxi, underground (subway). The cheapest, by far, is the Underground. It took us about 45 minutes to travel from London Heathrow to the station closest to our hotel (which was very near Piccadilly Circus). The underground is clean, well signed, and easy to navigate once you clear the OMG-we're here-fog, lol. When trying to get back up to the surface, simply follow the signs that say "Way Out". And always, "Mind the Gap". Lol. Platforms don't always hit at the level of the tube. Sometimes you've got a bit of a step to manage.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eF7uCoWYngg/V0OKrjdjYJI/AAAAAAAAgUs/HTiPevbmFj0S8IGKsv-4QPOkCxzYqYRgQCLcB/s1600/oyster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eF7uCoWYngg/V0OKrjdjYJI/AAAAAAAAgUs/HTiPevbmFj0S8IGKsv-4QPOkCxzYqYRgQCLcB/s200/oyster.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>Oyster Card</b></i> - if you're sticking around London, this is a must! The public transportation there is phenomenal, and if you've got an Oyster card, it's so easy to get wherever you want to go. You can purchase one before you go, or you can pick it up in the airport. You put a set amount on the card, and can top it up whenever &nbsp;you need. When you're ready to return home, you can pull any leftover funds off the card in cash. Pretty sweet. Also, when &nbsp;using the card, it automatically gives you the cheapest fare no matter what time you're traveling (prices for tickets change throughout the day - rush hour is more expensive, for example). It's so very worth it. Anytime you travel the Underground, simply pass your card over the reader and follow the signs to your platform.<br /><br /><b><i>Bus Hopper Pass</i></b> - we bought these (15 pounds) when we got our Oyster Cards - they allow you to hop on and off any bus for 48 hours. Totally unnecessary for us. For some tourists, it might be a good thing, but we simply walked wherever we wanted to go.<br /><br /><b><i>Taxi </i></b>- Taxi's are readily available throughout London. They're also cute as a button - and about as big. There are apps that will aid you in setting up a ride, or your hotel concierge can do it for you.<br /><br /><b><i>Uber </i></b>- In London, Uber is readily available. However, when we traveled to Bath, Stafford, and Stoke-on-Trent, Uber wasn't an option. Use the app to discover where you can uber. Additionally, you can UberPool - share a ride with strangers traveling roughly the same area. We did this once, and met a couple of locals who were just returning from a trip to the States. Lol.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Technology</span><br /><br /><b><i>Wireless Internet</i></b> - Prior to departure, I had rented a <a href="https://www.tepwireless.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">TEP</span></b></a>. It's a nifty little device that for $100/week would &nbsp;provide us with non-roaming internet wherever we went. It arrived promptly, I read through the instructions, then dutifully packed it up. Upon our return, I simply popped it in the return mail and was done. Now... two things... first, Bill hit up Verizon the day before we left to get the international package turned on (it's free, fyi) and they gave him a wireless device (exactly what the TEP is) free. Yep, free. To keep. I could have saved $100 bucks if only I'd known (and my company is Sprint, they don't offer that, yet another reason I'd love to switch to Verizon, lol). We packed both devices, thinking maybe one would come in handy if the other had a glitch... and never needed either. Not once. The hotels, the restaurants, the transportation hubs... all offer free wifi.<br /><br /><b><i>Power Converter</i></b> - I packed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-Travel-Voltage-Converter-Charging/dp/B00MSTG93S?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">this one</span></b></a>. It came in seriously handy as we could charge all of our devices at night.<br /><br /><b><i>Portable Charger </i></b>- Used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EasyAcc-10000mAh-Brilliant-External-Smartphones/dp/B00XTXY0JW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1464046064&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=easy+acc" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">this </span></b></a>a LOT. We were taking so many photos that our phone batteries were dying faster than normal. I simply popped the charger in my purse along with a cord and we could recharge whenever we needed to. A must have!<br /><br /><b><i>Hair Dryer</i></b> - I debated long and hard over whether to pack a hair dryer or not. Finally decided to take it with us, just in case. I &nbsp;had purchased a dual-voltage one that I was assured would work in the UK. Ha!! First, the hotels generally don't have a hair dryer <i>in </i>the room. No problem, I had mine - Problem, it wouldn't run! Yikes! I spent the majority of our trip with air-dried hair (not a flattering look on me, lol, and why I wore my hat so often). The last night, I did find a hairdryer in the room (yay!). I'm positive I could have simply asked the front desk and they could have supplied one, I was just too busy vacationing, lol.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Apps</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHiCGcGLFg0/V0NuliOcOQI/AAAAAAAAgTk/oOnuqnk3ayQx2_J1n-_aqy1XTokfM4BmQCLcB/s1600/rome2rio.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHiCGcGLFg0/V0NuliOcOQI/AAAAAAAAgTk/oOnuqnk3ayQx2_J1n-_aqy1XTokfM4BmQCLcB/s1600/rome2rio.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rome2Rio<br />download in the app store</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i>Rome2Rio </i></b>- this is my new favorite app! Anytime we wanted to go from here to there, we just popped it into the app and it showed us how to get there - options included: rail, underground, taxi, walking... just pick the method you want and click on it then away you go!<br /><br /><b><i>London Official Guide</i></b> - fabulous! Let us pick destinations, restaurants, etc we want to visit, and save the info offline. It also has an "explore" feature that was fun to play with.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12ZlAZRGtPQ/V0NuaRyFxMI/AAAAAAAAgTg/ZHabE7ZsSC8Dv72Vv2jPasgMMeuK27XPgCLcB/s1600/trackmytour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12ZlAZRGtPQ/V0NuaRyFxMI/AAAAAAAAgTg/ZHabE7ZsSC8Dv72Vv2jPasgMMeuK27XPgCLcB/s200/trackmytour.JPG" width="192" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TrackMyTour <br />download in the App store</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i>TrackMyTour </i></b>- Allowed our family and friends back home to follow along our trip every step of the way. We could visit a place, upload a photo to the app &amp; comment on it, then everyone could see it. Pretty darn cool!<br /><br />Others that came in handy... TripAdvisor, British Airways, Fancy Tips, National Rail, and GeoBlue.<br /><br /><b><i>A quick note on tipping...</i></b> Generally speaking, you don't tip in restaurants and bars. Servers are paid a full wage, unlike here in the states. That said, you'll sometimes note a service charge on &nbsp;your bill - that's a built in tip. If you don't see one, you have the option of leaving a tip if you believe you've had great service. 10-15% is perfect. <b><i>In bars... they really, really don't like tipping. Will, in fact, refuse a tip. The way around tipping</i></b> is to buy the bartender a drink for himself. They can choose to do so or take it in cash. But... they'll only accept it once.<br /><br /><b><i>About dining out... </i></b>When it comes time to pay the bill, if you pay with a credit/debit card, they'll bring the card machine directly to your table. Your card does not leave your sight. Wish we did that here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rSovwOsdSg/V0Nt4F5Q9cI/AAAAAAAAgTc/lBTBL0Is0LEbSNqdrW7PGU7mZS2OMGoJwCLcB/s1600/smart_card_technology.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rSovwOsdSg/V0Nt4F5Q9cI/AAAAAAAAgTc/lBTBL0Is0LEbSNqdrW7PGU7mZS2OMGoJwCLcB/s200/smart_card_technology.png" width="200" /></a></div><b><i>Additional note about credit/debit cards...</i></b> While some places can still take a card that doesn't have a chip - you're better off if you have one. Several times we had to switch cards to one with a chip in order to complete a transaction. Contact your bank about replacing your card with a chip card.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Travel Comfort</span><br /><br /><b><i>Neck pillow</i></b>. On our trip out, we decided not to take neck pillows - surely the plane would offer pillows, and we didn't want the bulky accessory to deal with throughout the trip. As we disembarked the plane in London, we vowed to purchase neck pillows for the return flight. Seriously - it's kind of a necessity on a long flight. However, on that return, the pillows I picked up in the airport were highly cushioned - too cushioned to be comfy. Booo. The neck pillows we had left here at home were just the right squishy cushy - lesson learned is check out your pillow before you buy - and yes, you need one. Lol.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Band-Aid-Advanced-Cushions-Adhesive-Bandages/dp/B011EUL2G0?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Blister Bandaids</span></i></b></a> - This might sound silly, but these were an absolute must. The longer we walked, I discovered that the miles increased the difference in size between my feet. Not kidding. What normally doesn't bother me much became a real issue as my right foot swelled within my shoe. Weird, right? Those blister bandaids saved the trip.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evCiJi709eA/V0NmqnQEmzI/AAAAAAAAgSw/l-6JbGrazA8dQOaga1hsSms_p45jPWBDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evCiJi709eA/V0NmqnQEmzI/AAAAAAAAgSw/l-6JbGrazA8dQOaga1hsSms_p45jPWBDQCLcB/s320/IMG_3712.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that crazy? Normally it's not that noticeable, <br />but the extended walking clearly had repercussions.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><i>Other items</i></b>... earbuds, earbud splitter (so both of us could listen to a movie together), ipads (loaded with tv shows and movies for the flights), snacks &amp; water, cozy socks.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Insurance &amp; Other Stuff</span><br /><br /><b><i>Medical Insurance </i></b>- turns out that our medical insurance doesn't cover us when we travel internationally. But... Blue Cross has a solution! GeoBlue. I was able to purchase coverage for the both of us for the duration of the trip, then downloaded the app which would direct us to medical assistance should we need it. It wasn't expensive, and it did a lot to relieve my travel concerns. And honestly, I should have used it when I split open my chin. Lol.<br /><br /><b><i>Driving Legally</i></b> - while we ended up not needing it, we went ahead and got our provisional driving permits for the UK before we left. Had we decided to rent a vehicle, having that document would clear the way. It's good for a year, so when we go to Ireland, it'll come in handy.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, </span>there you have it. Those are my novice traveler tips. ;-) &nbsp;I hope they're of assistance to someone! Lol! And you world travelers out there - I'd love to hear your tips!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Click on the title to be taken to the full post at blog.recipeforfitness.com. You can also visit my main website at www.RecipeForFitness.com</div>Chelle Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700906636548225472noreply@blogger.com0